1844.] DANGER OFF PULO TIGA. 187 



westward, where several vigorous streams flow into the 

 sea. Near Port Victoria, where the land is marshy, fresh 

 water is scarce, and, in the event of selecting it as the site 

 for a town, it must either be conducted thither, or obtained 

 by digging wells. The approaches to Port Victoria are 

 deep, but have patches of rock near the surface, which are 

 easily avoided. In the N.E. or bad monsoon, (if the 

 latter term be applicable at all,) there is safe harbour for 

 several vessels, and during the fine season, for any number 

 which would frequent these regions. Although the native 

 pilots were doubtful of a passage to the northward, we 

 found it to be perfectly safe, and were towed through by 

 the ' Phlegethon '; it was fortunate we determined on 

 maintaining the off shore course during the night, for 

 very dangerous reefs, some above water, were subse- 

 quently discovered off Pulo Tiga. 



