374 EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



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of the Kuro-siwo, beat along its eastern shore to the northward and eastward*, and pass to the 

 northward of the Majico-Sima islands, hut to the southward of Hoa-pin-san ; sighting Koomisang, 

 pass either to the northward or to the southward of it.f If to the southward, you may hug the 

 northern shores of the Amakirrima islands, as it is believed there are no hidden dangers near them. 



During the typhoon season, however, it is advisable to pass to the southward of Formosa and 

 Majico-Sima islands, in order to have plenty of sea-room in the event of encountering one of 

 these storms. J The passage to the southward of the Amakirrima is clear, with the exception of 

 Hall's Keef, which bears from the south point of Lew Chew west by north half north, distant 

 about 7 miles, and which is slightly above water. § 



Arriving off the harbor, be governed by the following sailing directions for Napha, Island of 

 Lew Chew : 



This is the principal seaport of the island, and perhaps the only one possessing the privileges 

 of a port of entry. 



The inner, or junk harbor, has a depth of water of from two to three fathoms, and though 

 small, is sufficiently large to accommodate, with ease, the fifteen or twenty moderate sized junks 

 which are usually found moored in it. These are mostly Japanese, with a few Chinese, and 

 some small coasting craft, which seem to carry on a sluggish trade with the neighboring islands. 



The outer harbor is protected to the eastward and southward by the main land, whilst in 

 other directions it is surrounded merely by a chain of coral reefs, which answer as a tolerable 

 breakwater against a swell from the northward or westward, hut afford, of course, no shelter 

 from the wind. The holding-ground is so good, however, that a well-found ship can ride out 

 here almost any gale in safety. 



The clearest approach to Napha from the westward is, by passing to the northward of the 

 Amakirrima islands, and sighting Agenhu island, || (which will be recognized by its wedge- 

 shaped appearance ;) from thence steer a southeast course for the harbor, passing on either side 

 of Eeef islands, being careful, however, not to approach them too near on the western 'and 

 southern sides, as the reefs below water in these directions are more extensive than is shown by 

 old charts. After clearing Keef islands bring Wood Hill to bear S.S.E., when stand down for 

 it, until getting upon the line of bearing for south channel. This will carry you well clear of 

 Blossom reef, yet not so far off but that the White Tomb and clump of trees or bushes to the 

 southward of Tumai Head, (see view No. 1,) can be easily distinguished. % An E.N.E, \ E. 



* Extract from report of Lieutenant Commanding J. J. Boyle: "On the 29th of October, 1853, near the island of Formosa, I 

 discovered a volcano, distant from the land about ten miles, in a violent state of eruption, throwing out columns of vapor to a 

 great height, resembling in appearance a similar phenomenon to which I was witness some years ago on the coast of Sicily ; this, 

 however, was of greater magnitude and force than that, although no lava was visible by reason of the dense bank of vapor which 

 hung around it. The depth of water here is much greater than on the Sicilian coast, and hence my conclusion as to the cause 

 of not seeing lava. When last seen, at 3 p. m., it was in a lively state of activity, and bore N.N.W., distant about ten miles. It 

 was in latitude about 24° N., and longitude 121° 50' E.; there was no sail in Bight." 



f A diligent, but unsuccessful, search was made for Hai-p island, placed in latitude 23° 45' N., and longitude 122° 04' East. 

 Several vessels of the squadron also passed near the position (latitude 22° 05' N., longitude 121° 18' East,) assigned to Alceste 

 shoal, without seeing any signs of it. 



% The island Ykima, placed on some of the charts to the southward of Ty-pin-san, does not exist ; but the two small islands 

 between Ty-pin-san and Patchung, positions marked " doubtful," were seen by some of the squadron, and are believed to be 

 correctly placed on our chart. 



§ The ship Heber reports, January, 1852, the discovery of a rock about six feet above water, bearing from the south point of 

 Lew Chew W. by S. j S., seven miles distant. 



|| Giving Tusima a safe berth. 



U In running down for the bearing for south channel, care must be taken to avoid Lexington Eeef, laid down on the chart to 

 the southward and westward of Blossom Beef, distant three quarters of a mile, having but 2J fathoms upon it at low water. 



