The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

22 MALACCA STRAIT.—SUMATRA COAST. [chap. i.
Caution must be exercised in appi'oaching the coast between Telok
Samoi and Diamond point.
DIAMOND POINT or Jambu Ayer.—The trees on Diamond
point are of unequal height and higher than tliose on the adjacent land, thus
making the point appear like a low sloping island when seen at a con-
siderable distance, although the ground is very little elevated above the
level of high-water spring tides. A high table mountain visible from the
ofHng in clear weather is situated south-south-westward from Diamond
point.. The extreme of the point is in lat. 5° 16' 0" N., long. 97° 30' 0" E.
A spit extends off from Diamond point about three-quarters of a mile in
a northerly direction, with a depth of 18 feet on its edge, and is steep-to.
Vessels should not shoal less than 10 fathoms in approaching the spit,
especially during the north-east monsoon, 'when a heavy swell will be ex-
perienced.
TIDSS.—It is high water, full and change, at Diamond point at
Noon ; spring rise 9 feet. The flood sets to S.E., the ebb to the N.W.
Between Diamond point and the Aroa islands the set varies a point or
two according to the direction of the coast. Aj; springs the tides set at the
rate of 2 or 3 knots, greatly influenced by the prevailing winds. The ebb
is generally stronger and of longer duration than the flood, but, when the
distance from the shore is considerable, seldom exceeds 1^ knots. On the
coast westward of Diamond point, as before remarked, the tidal streams are
not strong.
The COAST.—From Diamond point to Aroa islands the coast is low
and woody, and has several rivers, towns, and villages scattered along it.
From 40 to 50 miles in the interior is a high chain of mountains, which
may occasionally been seen in clear weather. The principal towns are
Edie, Prauhilah, Lanksa, Sampai, Lankat, Dehli, Batu Barra, and Asahan,
but some of these places are but collections of miserable huts, and their
inhabitants remarkable neither for industry nor honesty.*
The shore is often difficult of approach on account of shoals, which in
some places extend a distance of 8 or 9 miles to seaward. Near these
shoals, however, the soundings are generally a guide; the bottom consists
of mud, sand, or sand and mud mixed.
"Winds.—Regular land and sea breezes are experienced on this part of
the coast in F'ebruary, March, and April.
During the strength of the north-east monsoon this coast ought not to
be approached, there being a heavy swell rolling on it at that time.
* See Admiralty chart : Diamond point to the North sands, No. 1,353 ; scale, m =
0"15 of an inch.