1779. THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 287 



extended ; for we were not able to get to the bottom 

 of the harbour on account of the ice. 



The harbour of Rakoweena would deserve the pre- 

 ference over the other two, if its entrance were not 

 impeded by a shoal lying in the middle of the chan- 

 nel, which, in general, will make it necessary to warp 

 in, unless there be a leading wind. It is from one 

 mile to half a mile in width, and three miles long, 

 running at first in a south-east, and afterward in an 

 easterly direction. Its depth is from thirteen to three 

 fathoms. 



Saint Peter and Saint Paul's is one of the most 

 convenient little harbours I ever saw. It will hold 

 conveniently half a dozen ships, moored head and 

 stern, and is fit for giving them any kind of repairs. 

 The south side is formed by a low sandy neck, ex- 

 ceedingly narrow, on which the ostrog is built, and 

 whose point may almost be touched by ships going 

 in, having three fathoms' water close in with it. In 

 the mid-channel, which is no more than two hundred 

 and seventy-eight feet across, there are six fathoms 

 and a half; the deepest water within is seven fa- 

 thoms ; and in every part over a muddy bottom. We 

 found some inconvenience from the toughness of 

 the ground, which constantly broke the messenger, 

 and gave us a great deal of trouble in getting up the 

 anchors. There is a watering-place at the head of the 

 harbour. 



The plan will likewise point out the shoal that is 

 to be avoided, lying off the eastern harbour, as well 

 as the spit within the entrance, stretching from the 

 south-west shore, and over which there is only three 

 fathoms' water. In order to steer clear of the latter, 

 a small island, or perhaps it may rather be called a 

 large detached rock, lying on the west shore of the en- 

 trance, is to be shut in with the land to the south of 

 it; and, to steer clear of the former, the Three 

 Needle Rocks, which lie on the east shore of the en- 

 trance near the light-house head, are to be kept open 



