The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

76 MALACCA STKAIT.—MALAY COAST. [chap. i.
vessels, therefore, from the southward bound to Penang during the north-
east monsoon should, after passing Dinding islands, keep near the edge of
the mud bank which lines the coast, that they may not be delayed with the
strong N.E. wind and short sea likely to prevail in the offing near Penang.
Vessels bound south-eastward should pass between Pulo Jarra and
Sambilang islands, for the current often sets strong to the north-west in
the middle of the strait, and calms are more prevalent there than near
the coast. Continued on page 87.
The COAST between Perak river and Selangor river is low,
covered with jungle, and skirted by a mud bank, on the edge of which
a depth of 3 fathoms is found at one to 5 miles from the shore.
Fishing stations consisting of bamboo enclosures, 30 or 40 yards
square, strengthened by cross poles, and having a solid platform well above
the water, are situated along the coast, a few miles apart. They are almost
always in 5 fathoms water, rarely in less, and are therefore useful in point-
ing out where the water shoals.*
Berman river.—The entrance to this river is situated about 13
miles southward of the entrance of Perak river. It is one of the finest on
the Malay coast, has 17 feet on the bar at high water, and is said to
be navigable for steam launches for about 100 miles ;
the snags would then
prevent further progress.
The 3-fathom edge of the shore mud bank extends 3 miles oif the mouth
of the river.
Light.— k.fixed white light is exhibited from a white lighthouse, at an
elevation of 25 feet above high water, on the north point of entrance
to Berman river, visible about 4 miles.
DirectioUS.—The lighthouse can be distinctly seen at 3 or 4 miles
distant, showing conspicuously against the dark green trees behind. It
should be steered for on the bearing of N.E. \ N., which leads in the
deepest water over the bar, passing between the fishing stakes.
In the first reach, which is long and shallow, keep in mid-channel ; then
follow the bends of the river, avoiding the points. The deepest water is
almost invariably close in to where the nepa palms grow, and shoalest
where there are mangi-oves. The tides run strong in the river.
H.M.S. Moorhen, drawing lOJ feet, crossed the bar of Berman ri^er
in February 1877, and proceeded as far as the village of Sabba, about
20 miles fi'om the entrance. The vessel crossed at one hour before high
water, and had not less than 16 feet on the bar, and not less than J 7 feet,
bottom soft mud, in the channel to Sabba, where she moored in 5f fathoms.
* Navigating Lieutenant W. H. Stephens, H.M.S. Egeria, 1875.