The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

210 ISLANDS OFI' THE WEST COAST 01" SUMATRA. [cHlr. in.
Pulo Simu
lies 21 miles eastward of the position assigned to Herzog
Bernard islet, A detached reef which breaks, lies about 1^ miles south-
westward of the west extreme. The other sides of the inland are ap-'
parently clear of danger beyond a short distance.
The Batu islands are but little frequented, but a trade in dammer (gum)
and other forest products is carried on by coasters from Padang.
Tauah. Masa, or Batu island, the central and largest "of the Batu
group, lies about 40 miles south-eastward of Pulo Mas, and forms the
south side of Pulo Nias Great channel. It is 25 miles in length, north
and south, and 5 miles in breadth. This, like the other large islands, is
mo'derately elevated and hilly, covered with tr'ees, and many small islands
line its shores both on the east and west sides, with moderate depths
among thera, and forming safe bays or harbours, little known to Europeans.
The north-east point of the island, named Batuwawa, is a bluff, with a
reef projecting a quarter of a mile from it.
AncllOrage. — There is anchorage close off the north shore of
Tanah Masa, and also in the bay close westward of Batuwawa point, but
exposed to the northerly monsoon. A few supplies may be obtained
here, but no water. Also, on the east coast, about 3 miles south-eastward
of Batuwawa point there is anchorage in 10 fathoms good holding ground,
close southward of a small islet lying near the shore. There is a watering
creek just southward of it.
Lance or Lams bay lies about 8 miles south-eastward of Batu-Cvawa
point, and is formed by two islands near the shore; a reef extends about
one-third of a mile off the northern islet. The anchorage' here is in about
16 fathoms, sand and shells, nearly midway between the islets, with the
north extreme of outer islet about S.E. by S. A few supplies may ' be
gathered here.
These anchorages on the east side are probably only suitable for small
craft, but the least depth reported is 7 fathoms, avoiding patches, and
the best track appears to be at about half a mile distant from the
island.
Tanah Masa with its adjacent islands extends north and south nearly
45 miles, fronted by a chain of about twenty isles of various sizes, some of
them 13 or 14 miles distant from the main island, with dangerous reefs
which are steep to.
Pulo Pinie (native name (Kasanie), lying 9 miles north-eastward of
the north end of Tanah Masa, nearly midway between it and the main,
is of considerable extent, stretching nearly 20 miles east and west, and
having islets and shoals extending off in nearly all directions for a distance
of 7 or 8 miles. Those on the north-east and south-east sides have "been
referred to at pages 185-6.