The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

354 GASPAU STRAIT. [chap. vii.
A patch of 4| fathoms lies three-quarters of a mileE.by S. from Alwina
shoal.
Depths.—Approaching Stolze channel from the southward, depths of
from 12 to 15 fathoms will be found within one cable south-westward and
westward of Oarnbee rocks. Naga reef, Anvang bank, Cooper shoals,
and Three-feet shoal appear to lie just within the edge of the 10 fathoms
bank extending off Billiton island.
Towards the shoals on the western side of the entrance to Stolze channel
the depths are much less than those on the eastern side, and they decrease
more regularly, the 10-fathoms line extending some 5 or 6 miles to the
eastward of them, so that they may be approached by proper attention to
the lead. Near the Shoal-water group, the 10-fathoms line extends a little
more than half a mile to the eastward of the shoals, and consequently
those dangers must be approached with greater caution.
Depths of 9 to 10 fathoms wUl be found on the bank extending about
3 miles eastward and south-eastward of Vansittart shoals.
Between White rock and Gresik island, in Stolze channel, the depths
are greater on the eastern side, and shoaler on the western side, than in the
fairway.
A bank, with 8 to 11 fathoms, extends 2 miles S.S.E. from Ayer island.
The bottom through the entire length of Stolze channel appears to be
composed principally of sand and broken shells, with here and there broken
coral. North-westward of Billiton the bottom is mostly soft black mud,
with sand, broken coral, and shells in places.
DIRECTIONS.—Stolze Channel from the Southward.
—As soon as Blantu, the highest hill on the south-west coast of Billiton,
can be recognized, it should be brought to bear about N. by E. ^ E., and
with it just in sight on that bearing, if the weather be clear, a vessel will
be about 33 or 35 miles distant from it, in the fairway of Stolze .channel,
with Carnbee rocks about 15 miles to the north-eastward, and may shape a
course N. by W. | W. As the vessel proceeds to the northward Luda hill
will come in sight, and shortly afterwards Pyramid and South peak, all of
which will be seen to the eastward of Blantu, Soon the Haycocks will be
visible, at first a little to the left of Blantu, and by the time they are in line
with it, G-unong Bolo, on the south extreme of Pulo Selio, will be well in
sight, bearing about N.lSl.E., and distant 15 miles. Shoal-water island
lighthouse will also be in sight, bearing about N.W. by W.
Erom this position a course N. by W. | W. will lead up to Grresik
island, passing 7 or 8 miles westward of White rock, and 3 to 4 miles
westward of Eosa island. When abreast of White rook, Ayer island
wiU be seen nearly ahead, and Klambau on the port bow ; soon the Lima