378 EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



Keelung, situated three and a half miles to the northeast, and by the high, craggy land to the 

 westward, outlines of which are given on the chart. Image Point, forming the western side of 

 the entrance, is called so from the action of the sea, having worn the soft sandstone of which it 

 is composed, leaving boulders of darker stone on elevated pedestals resembling images. The 

 eastern side is formed by a low, flat, and rocky island, (not easily separated from the high land 

 behind it,) having a few small trees and shrubs on its southern edge. 



Making and keeping Keelung island well to the eastward, the entrance may be approached 

 without fear, as the soundings are deep, and free from hidden dangers. When well up with the 

 entrance, a remarkable hill will be seen in the harbor, called on the chart Crag peak ; bring it 

 to bear south by west, which course will take you down the center of the channel clear of the 

 coral reefs on both sides. The best anchorage for large vessels is on the eastern side of the 

 entrance, to the southward of some dangerous coral shoals, with the outer points of "junk and 

 boat passage," just open. The holding ground (a stiff mud and sand) is excellent. Anchorage 

 for a single vessel may be had in Merope bay, to the southward of Image Point. Vessels of less 

 than 15 feet draught may find a snug anchorage half a mile nearer the town, to the southward 

 of a coral shoal, which makes out to the eastward of Crag peak. Near this anchorage there is 

 a small but remarkable rock, resembling a gothic ruin, and, therefore, called Euin rock. The 

 town of Keelung is situated at the head of the harbor, about a mile from this last anchorage, 

 and surrounded by extensive mud flats, bare at low water, and can only be approached by small 

 boats at high tides. 



There are several coal mines about a mile east-southeast from the town, situated on the 

 southern banks of the small, shallow stream which branches off in that direction. 



A limited supply of fresh water can be obtained near each of the little settlements around the 

 shores of the harbor, but generally of poor quality. Pigs, poultry, and vegetables can be 

 obtained in any quantity required. There is a covered market or bazaar at Sowan Point, near 

 the junk anchorage, and another in tho town of Keelung. There is a good landing place for 

 boats at Sowan Point, and from thence is a good road and causeway to the town. 



COAL HARBOR NEAR KEELUNG. 



It is so called from its proximity to the coal mines opened by the Chinese on the hill-sides of 

 the southern shore of Quar-see-kow bay. It offers anchorage and shelter for one or two ships 

 only. Should the mines ever be worked by Europeans, the coal (which is of good quality) could 

 be conveyed to Harbor rock by means of a railroad along the west shore of Quar-see-kow bay, 

 at the base of the hills. A short pier from the north side of Harbor rock would enable a ship 

 to lie alongside in three or four fathoms water, and receive or discharge her cargo. 



Keelung harbor, latitude 25° 09' north, longitude 121° 48' east; variation, 0° 00'. High 

 water full, and change 10 h 30 m . Rise and fall, 3 feet. The soundings are in fathoms. 



FROM LEW CHEW TO THE BONIN ISLANDS. 



Sailing from Napha during the northeast monsoon, it is better to double round the south end 

 of the island, in order to avoid beating through the Montgomery group, of which there is no 

 reliable survey ; but with a southerly wind and pleasant weather a vessel will find it to her 

 advantage to pass round the northern end, where she will feel the influence of the Kuro-Siwo, 

 which she may carry well to the eastward on her course to the Bonhis. 



