The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

^HAP. I.] SAIiAT PANJAKG OR BREWER STRAIT, 33
'9 miles within the west entrance. It is the principal station of the war
iproas of the Eajah of Siak.
There is anchorage abreast of the river in 12 fathoms, with the town
fcearing W.S.W. and Tanjong Jati bearing N. by W. ^ W.
Pulo Benkalis is the large island forming the north side of Brewer
atrait. The town of Benkalis is on the south side of the island, nearly
^abreast of Bukit Batu.
Residency.—The seat of the Government of the residency of Siak is
on Benkalis island. Here also is the head-quarters of the Dutch resident
for the east coast of Sumatra.
Salat Padang, the channel leading out of Brewer strait, between
Pulo Benkalis and Pulo Padang, is about one mile wide. Its western
entrance, with a depth of about 5 fathoms, lies 10 miles eastward of Bukit
Batu.
Siak river enters Brewer strait at about 8 miles southward of
Tanjong Balei or 18 miles south-eastward of Bukit Batu. The river is
about half a mile wide at its entrance, fronted by sandy spits, with a
marrow channel between them having a depth of about 19 feet.*
The town of Siak, the residence of the Rajah, appears to be about
40 miles from the entrance.
H.M.S. Vixen, drawing 14 feet, entered this river and proceeded to
Siak.f A depth of 15 feet was found over the bar, deepening within
the east side of the river was kept aboard until above the second island, ofE
which a shoal extends to the eastward ; thence the river was clear to the
town of Siak. Off the town and for 6 miles beyond, depths of 12 to 15
fathoms were found. For vessels of about 200 tons the river Siak is said
to be navigable for 20 miles beyond the town of Siak ; including boat
navigation its navigable course has been estimated at 150 miles.
Salat Riugit is the passage leading out between Pulo Padang and Pulo
Eantau, southward of Pulo Merbau. It is stated to have irom 4 to 6 fathoms
water. Salat Asam leads from Salat Ringat, westward of Pulo Merbau.
Salat Ayer Itam is the continuation of Salat Ringit along the
north side of Pulo Rantau, and between that island and Pulo Rangsang.
It is about one mile wide, but the depth is not known.
Campore river, situated in the bight southward of the east
entrance to Brewer strait, is fronted by an extensive mud-flat almost dry
at low water. It is little frequented on account of its rapid tides and bore.
Tides.—At the mouth of Siak river it is high water, full and change,
at 9h. ; tides rise 12 feet, and set at the rate of 2^ miles an hour. Off the
See sketch of entrance to Siak river on Admiralty chart No. 1,355.
t Commander George Giffard, B.N., H.M.S. Vixen, 1845.
U 20665. r