The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

204 WEST COAST OP SUMA.TRA. [chap, iir,
coast of Sumatra extends in a soutt-easterly direction 180 miles to Sunda
Btrait. Throughout its extent it is almost entirely without shelter, and
being beaten by heavy surf the few frequented places are dangerous for
landing. The country is also deficient in some of the productions which
are found north of the equator. As little is known of this portion of
the coast it must be navigated with caution. It is generally bold
and safe to approach, and the land mountainous a short distance in-shore
Between Benkulen and Manna, regular depths over a sandy bottom are
found, where, ii it fall calm and the curent be unfavourable, a vessel may
occasionally anchor in moderate depths ; but farther to the southward the
coast becomes more steep, moderate depths extending out only a short
distance, until Little Fortune island, near Flat point is approached, where
they extend 8 miles from the main.*
About 4 miles south-eastward of BufFels point there is a narrow spit with
a depth of 7 fathoms rock, and 12 fathoms soft ground between it and the
shore, from which it is distant about two miles.
Priug, situated about 30 miles south-eastward of Buffels point, is
a small pepper port ; the best anchorage is in 12 fathoms, mud. In less
depth the ground is foul and rocky. A shoal, which breaks in bad
weather, projects about 2 miles off shore.
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