Directory_and_Chronicle_1877 — Page 841

GEOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL.

433

an old fort in ruins; proceed between these islands or to the South of them, and when near to the ridge of the small pointed islands that cover the entrance, leave these to starboard-steering East and keeping the centre of the passage, in which there are 18 to 20 fathoms of water, with sandy bottom, until you reach a suitable anchorage,-8 to 9 fathoms will be found inside with a mud bottom, and 4 fathoms close in to the shore. Caution is required in making this port from the sea, as two barren islands further to the South than those just described might be mistaken for them; these are close to Point Fuego, where the coast bends to the S.E.; they afford no shelter, and are surrounded by a rocky bottom.

The coast of Maraveles is free from danger until it diverges to the North, from whence towards Pampanga, and then only within 3 to 4 cables' length from the shore, some rocks have been touched by vessels venturing too near.

The Island of Corregidor may be approached fearlessly on all sides but the Eastern, where a small pointed rock exists with a ridge extending South about half-way between the Island and Pulo Caballo.

There is a passage between Pulo Caballo and Corregidor, but it is not recom- mended.

The Fraile has deep water all around and close up to it.

The Southern coast as far as the high land extends is clean, with the exception of some rocks about half a mile from the beach off the second point E. of the small island Sinalan, in a line with the Fraile. On leaving the high land the lead will show shallow water very often, and vessels should not approach too near the low land in this vicinity. During Easterly and South Easterly winds, it is safe to approach the coast between Point Fuego and Limbones, and in short tacks get past the small Island of Sinalan, from whence a clear course opens to weather Pulo Caballo.

Vessels beating up Manila Bay should endeavour to reach the northern coast before night, so as to avail of the land breeze, which becomes weaker in proportion to the distance from the land.

St. Nicola's Bank is situated in a line with, and about half way between the Corregidor and the steeples of the Cavite churches; it is about 1 miles in circum- ference, and its least depth of water, one fathom, is on the N.E., increasing towards the N. and N.W. to 3, 6, 12, and 18 fathoms within a distance of one cable's length. The shoal is rock covered with sand, and its bearings (shoalest part) are as follows:-

From Telegraph Station on Corregidor...

Pulo Caballo..

""

""

.N. 72 35 E. .N. 62

www.g

E.

W.

Telegraph Station on Point Palibuyo (on S.E. coast)....N. 24 Mount Arayat.

S. 1 47 E.

With a free wind vessels may pass on the Southern side of the shoal-keeping Corregidor at West till the Telegraph Station on Point Palibuyo bears S.S.E., when a N.E. course must be followed; but all the coast line between Marigondon and Salinas is shallow water and foul.

The North and Eastern coasts are shallow, and the lead will indicate that the land, which is low and marshy, must be kept at a distance. Fishing stakes will be found here at long distances from the beach, but as long as the lead does not announce danger, the stakes, which are of bamboo and harmless, need not be noticed.

On the west side of the Bay from Point Limay up to the parallel of Mount Orion, a good anchorage will be found and shelter from the tempest of the S.W. monsoon. Without going too near the land, 10 to 12 fathoms will be found with a sandy bottom.

Vessels arriving at Cavite anchorage during Westerly gales, and desiring to communicate with the shore without delay, should steer for Cañaco-which is the bay between Point Sangley (a low sandy beach) and the town of Cavite. To find the anchorage-steer for Point Sangley, giving it a moderate berth, and let go the anchor in 4 fathoms. This is a secure position, where vessels can be visited and