The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAP.vn.] MACCLESFIELD CHANNEL.—DIRECTIONS. 339
the strait are on this bank, and there are also a few holes where the depths
of water are 2 or 3 fathoms greater.
The depths new the small islands and shoals which separate Macclesfield
and Clement channels, vary from 16 to 23 fathoms.
The lead will give but little warning when nearing the reefs extending
from the north-west coast of Pulo Leat, close to which are depths of about
16 fathoms ; but on the Banka side, between Discovery rock and Wilson
bank, vessels may stand in to 10 or 8 fathoms with safety.
Towards Murong point the bottom in many places is mud, but often
coarse sand with shells and stones, and in some places rock, particularly in
the vicinity of the shoals on the Banka shore. Sand and broken shells,
with coral and mud in places, appears to be the character of the bottom all
over the strait j but about 5 miles N.W. ^ W. from the north point of
Pulo Leat the bottom is black clay, good holding ground, and the depth
here being no more than 17 or 18 fathoms, it is recommended as a good
position for a vessel to anchor, should she require to do so in this vicinity.
DIRECTIONS. — Macclesfield Channel from the
Southward.—Proceeding towards Macclesfield channel during the
south-east monsoon, having passed Two Brothers islands, steer about
N.N.E,, passing midway between Clifton shoal and Brouwers reefs. The
depths in this track are pretty regular, 10 to 15 fathoms, soft bottom. In
thick weather, or if uncertain of the vessel's position, the entrance of
Gaspar strait should be approached with great caution, keeping a good
look-out for broken or shoal water.
Be also guarded when in the vicinity of Hippogriffe. and Bias Mateu
rocks, observing that the Six-peak range on Pulo Lepar, kept N. ^ W.
will lead 4 miles westward of Bias Mateu rock ; and when Baginda hill
bears N.W. i N., and the water has deepened from about 8 fathoms to 12
or 15 fathoms, steer to the north-eastward until Rocky point hill is well
open eastward of Murong point, which will lead clear of G-eorge banks.
Being 3 or 4 miles northward of Bias Mateu rock, a N. -J E. course
guarding against currents,—for 16 miles, will lead about 4 miles eastward
of Murong point, and in this track the depths will be from 13 to 15
fathoms ; if the vessel gets too far to the eastward the water will deepen,
and if to the westward it will shoal. Prom 4 miles eastward of Murong
point. a N. ^ E. course for about 16 miles will lead nearly midway between
Discovery rock and the shoals west of Jelaka. The vessel will now have
arrived in a position with Kilapan island bearing S.W. by W., and the
north point of Pulo Leat S.E. by B., and may steer INT. by E. for Gaspar
islapd, in which track she will have from 17 to 20 fathoms.
Since the survey of the sand-banks south of Banka, it is no longer
dangerous to approach the coast to a less distance than 14 miles, and it
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