Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 280

268

Chusan Archipelago.

MAY,

always above water. Nearly opposite to Chinkeäng, there is another, sharp peak on Kintang, which is 1519 feet above the level of the sea. Channel between Kintang and Blackwall. Vessels bound from Chin- keäng to Seaou Sha-aou, or to sea by the northwest passage, must bear in mind that there is no anchorage after leaving Chinkeäng, until to the northward of Blackwall, the distance being 6 miles. The channel between Kintang and Blackwall is half a mile wide. A small islet lies off the southwest extreme of the latter. Between the two there is deep water, and from the summit of the islet, Chin- hae (at the entrance of the river leading to Ningpo) may be seen over Kintang, which, abreast of this part of the channel, is very low. After passing the islet there is a long bay on Blackwall island, from the northern point of which a reef extends 12 cable. Off the north extreme of Kintang there is a group of 5 islands.

Broken island, or Mamuh shan The northern rock off Broken island bears from the northwest extreme of Blackwall N. 15° E., 61⁄2 miles. Between it and Broken island there is a good channel. The latter is connected with Chusan at low water; it is about 700 feet high. The ridge of hills at the northwest extreme of Chusan rises to the height of 761 feet, and on them are three beacons. The entrance to the harbor of Seaou Sha-aou is between Broken and Fisher's island (Chang pih shan), and is 6 cables wide- Broken island is steep to, except on the S. E. side, where it joins Chusan. A shoal extends 5 cables off the west side of Fisher's island.

The harbor is formed by Fisher's island and Chusan; it is 2 miles long and 1.7 mile broad, with a depth of water from 5 to 9 fathonis. This harbor is well sheltered from all winds, and easy of ingress and egress. The coast of Chusan is lined with a mud bank, which ren- ders landing (only at one spot, which is at the eastern extreme of the harbor) difficult except at high water. Near the landing-place is a small village; the principal town is situated some distance up the valley from the landing-place. The south shore of Fisher's island is also an extensive mud bank, a considerable portion of which has been inclosed from the sea. Off the southeast extreme of the island the three fathoms line extends five cables. The depth decreases gra- dually, so that the lead will give warning. The eastern entrance to Seaou Sha-aou harbor is 8 cables wide. A small islet and a rock lie off the north extreme. They may be rounded close, passing between the islets mentioned above and the islets to the eastward.

Passage between Sheppey and Chusan. Vessels intending to go to the eastward from Seaou Sha-aou may pass either between Sheppey

C.

NE