The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

340 GASPAR STRAIT. [chap. vtt.
might be convenient for a vessel to make Murong point on a N. by E. or
N.N.E. bearing, passing westward of the 2^-fathoms bank.
Working through from the Southward.—During the
strength of the north-west monsoon it is almost impossible, to work through
Gaspar strait; even in the latter part of the monsoon, about March, when
the winds are light, vessels often are obliged to anchor on account of the
rapidity of the southerly current. In the south-east monsoon also, vessels
will often meet with light variable winds, rendering it impossible for them
to preserve a direct course.
The approach to Macclesfield channel does not afford convenient objects
as marks to keep vessels clear of danger, but the following have been taken
from the chart as being, so far as we are able to judge, the best that can
be given for that purpose ; as, however, some of the objects are at a con-
siderable distance from the dangers, navigators are cautioned not to depend
too implicitly upon having made out, or being able to make out, such
distant objects, but rather to rely upon a more general exercise of judgment,
paying attention to the soundings, frequently referring to the chart, &c.
It is indispensable that the greatest vigilance be observed, and careful
regard had to the set of the tides and currents, in order to work a vessel
-safely through this channel.
Standing to the Eastward.—A vessel being northward of
HippogrifEe rocks, and observing the mark for clearing Fairlie rock
(page 332) may stand to the eastward towards Sand island, which is just
awash at high water, until it is but 4 miles distant, or within half a mile
of Haaijen reef; Bias Mateu, north-westward of Fairlie rock, must also be
oiven a wide berth. Shoal-water island, bearing N.N.E. ^ E., leads one
mile westward of Branding breakers. This island should not be approached
nearer than 3 miles, on account of the dangers lying westward of it.
To clear Vansittart shoals.—Murong point kept northward of N.W. leads
southward of the shoals ; and Klambau island summit bearing N. E. i E.
leads north-westward of the southern portion of the shoals. Putat peak,
on Pulo Leat, kept eastward of North, leads westward of the north-west
portion of Vansittart shoals ; and Ayer island open northward of Bakau
island leads northward of them.
Being northward of Vansittart shoals, Bakru island must not be brought
southward of E, by S. ^ S., or Slemar island westward of North, to avoid the
,»hoals between those islands ; and to clear the patches lying southward of Pulo
Leat, keep Kwil island eastward of E.S.E., or Putat hill northward of
N. by W. To clear the reefs southward of Pulo Jelaka, the south-east
point of Pulo Leat should not be shut in by Middle point, until Pulo Jelaka
bears ^.N.E. ; and to avoid the reefs westward of that islet, keep Middle