136 BAR OF TAMPASSOOK. [1846. 



the only place where vessels have shelter from westerly 

 winds) except Amboong, which is near to Abai, and is re- 

 presented to be a good harbour. The country here 

 abounds with grain, and considerable quantities of Pep- 

 per and Cinnamon would be had in a short time, were 

 the cultivation encouraged." 



With respect to the bar of Tampassook ; that has now 

 less than nine feet at high water, and we have shown that 

 its freshness, outside, depends upon the rains. Prom our 

 investigation of Abai River, it is probable that the des- 

 cription of Dalrymple is correct ; but both harbour and 

 river have, since his day, been filled up by sand, and com- 

 paratively disappeared ; the eastern entrance affords ten 

 feet on the bar, and that between Oosookan and the 

 main, nearly dry at low water. The harbour of Abai may 

 therefore be considered as affording, at present, nothing 

 beyond boat shelter ; and although provided with guides 

 from Ambong,* they were unable to point out where fresh 

 water could be procured. The river within, which mean- 

 ders to the south-east, carries three, four, or five fathoms, 

 by keeping on the left hand ; the middle ground is very 

 shallow. No villages were met with on the banks, nor 

 any inducement for small vessels to enter, unless it be to 

 receive cargo from Tampassook, or by arrangement with 

 the Sultan of that place. If intending to embark bullocks, 

 or horses, purchased from the Sultan, this river would be 

 the most convenient spot to ship them (by boats) to the 

 vessel anchoring in Oosookan Bay. This may answer for 

 vessels well armed, but I consider this peculiar haunt of the 

 Illanons at present unsafe ground. I am much surprised 

 * Ambung is probably more correct. 



