1849.] Notice of a Chinese Geographical work. 155 



chiu. All who go to the Southern Ocean must pass this sea. The junks 

 of the Central Nation are not to be compared with those of the Western 

 Ocean. These make use of sextants and quadrants to determine the 

 sun's altitude, and measure the time, and so find out the ship's position. 

 The Central People use the compass and the sand-glass, and as the wind 

 is strong or light, fair or foul, determine the number of heng. Each 

 Mng is equal to a sea-distance of about 60 li. If the wind is fresh and 

 fair, the amount may be doubled. When the current and the wind 

 are contrary, they reduce the reckoning. In this way they know 

 their position. If there be any uncertainty in their minds, they deter- 

 mine their position by the distant mountains, distinguishing upwards 

 and downwards, the forms of the hills ; and they use the lead to ascertain 

 the depth of the water. On the bottom of the lead are put wax and 

 oil to try the sand or the mud by touch (contact) . Every one of these 

 plans is fit and proper where the place admits of it ; but in the Great 

 Ocean of the Seven Isles, and outside of Td chiu theo, there are only vast 

 waters, and no hills to serve as land-marks. With a very favourable 

 wind, and the assistance of the needle, this sea may be crossed in six 

 or seven days, when you sight Chim pa lo in Kwdng nan, and Witi 

 lo shan on the outer sea ; and thus get the clew again. 



Somewhat easterly you come upon [the sands] Wan li chdng sha* and 

 [the rocks] Chin li ski tang.f Care must be taken to avoid being drawn 

 into the gulf of Kwdng nan ; for without a westerly wind it is impossible 

 to get out again. Such merchant ships as enter it, not being bound for 

 Kwdng nan, enter it by the direction of heaven. J Goods are taxed 

 excessively ; one half the value is not deemed sufficient. The Red 

 Hairs, men and things, are not to be found. But they show great 

 reverence from the Central Nation. Hence it may be said, that if you 

 lose but a little, you lose ten thousand li. 



In the centre of the Ocean of the Seven Isles, there is a species of 

 supernatural bird, resembling in form a sea-goose, but smaller. Its 

 bill is sharp and red : its feet are short and green ; its tail bears an 

 arrow about two cubits in length. It is called the Arrow Bird. It 

 flies towards vessels passing in the centre of that ocean and shows itself. 



and East of Cochin China, and in the center of which are the Paracels, — the Seven 

 Isles of the text. 



* Macclesfield Bank, f The Paracels, \ That is against their will. 



x 2 



