The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

SI 8 BANKA STRAIT. [ouab. vi.
eachjiabout 2 cables in extent, and froiJi tha.western..patcb Lala!."ie point
bears N.N.W.f W. 4^ miles,.
Gasuarina point kept open of Lalarie point bearing N. by W.-J W. leads
westward of Nemesis bank, in 14 fathoms water ; Mamelon hummock
N". by E. J E., leads eastward ; and Lalarie point bearing N.W. ^ N. leads
northward. Thra-e is a patch of 5 fathoms lying 2 miles from the south-
eastern extreme of the bank, with Ealse First point bearing W. ^ S.,
distant 6^ miles.
AUCllOragG may be found in any part of Stanton channel, but
vessels bringing up with their kedge or streani anchor must always be
prepared to let go the bower anchor, as there will be experienced, par-
ticularly during the change of the monsoons, very dangerous squalls, with
heavy rain, thunder, and lightning, which generally lasts for about an
hour.
Tides.—In the SQuthreast monsoon it is high water, full and change,
at Toboali point, on the Banka shore, at 8h. 30m. p.m., and at 10 a.m. in
the north-west monsoon; ordinary springs rise lOJ fejet, and sometimes
12 feet. The highest tide generally occurs two days after full and change.
The rate at springs is 2^ knots. The flood stream sets to the N.W". and
runs for about 12 hours, and the ebb the same period in the opposite
direction, but they are both sometiines influenced by the strength of the
monsoon. When it is blowing strong from the S.E. tlie iiood stream often
runs from 14 to 18 hours.
It is high water, full and change, at Labu point at llh. p.m. in the
south-east monsoon ;
ordinary springs rise 10 feet.
Northward of Lalarie. point, in the south-east monsoon the flood sets
N.N.W., and the ebb to the S.S.E., along the Banka shore.
The time of high water at Labu point being 2J hours later than at
Toboali point in the southern part of Stanton channel, for a few days
after full and change the tides will be found, (as there is generally 12 hours
flow and ebb,) to run in one direction all night, and the opposite direction
during the day, with a velocity of 2^ to 3 knots. The current also setting
directly in mid-channel, the flood N.W. by W., and the ebb S.E. by E.,
vessels may take advantage of it in light airs to drop through.
DIRECTIONS.—Vessels from the southward intending to proceed
into Banka strait by Stanton channel cannot fail, in approaching the coast
of Banka, to recognise mount St. Paul by its flattish top having several
nipples of nearly the same elevation, and Gadong and Toboali Lama peaks
by their conical appearance. Should the weather be clear, the distant
high range of Padang will be visible. The highest peak of thiS: range is
quoin-shaped, attaining from its western shoulder an elevation of 2,217