3S8 S O O L o o. 



leading into the Sooloo seas, in order to facilitate the communication 

 with China, by avoiding on the one hand the eastern route, and on 

 the other the dangers of the Palawan Passage, it may be as well to 

 give the result of the latter inquiry, referring those who may be more 

 particularly interested to the Hydrographical Atlas and Memoir. 



The difficulties in the Palawan Passage arising from heavy seas 

 and fresh gales do not exist in the Sooloo Sea, nor are the shoals so 

 numerous or so dangerous. In the place of storms and rough water, 

 smooth seas are found, and for most of the time moderate breezes, 

 which do not subject a vessel to the wear and tear experienced, in 

 beating up against a monsoon. 



The Straits of Balabac may be easily reached, either from Singa- 

 pore, or by beating up along the western shore of Borneo. When 

 the straits are reached, a vessel by choosing her time may easily pass 

 through them by daylight, even by beating when the wind is ahead. 

 Once through, the way is clear, with the exception of a few coral 

 lumps; the occasional occurrence of the north wind will enable a 

 vessel to pass directly to the shores of the island of Panay. A fair 

 wind will ordinarily prevail along that island, and, as I have already 

 mentioned, it may be approached closely. The passage through to 

 the eastward of Mindoro Island may be taken in preference to that on 

 the west side through the Mindoro Strait, and thus all the reefs and 

 shoals will be avoided. Thence, the western coast of Luzon will be 

 followed to the north, as in the old route. 



I do not think it necessary to point out any particular route through 

 the Sooloo Sea, as vessels must be guided chiefly as the winds blow, 

 but I would generally avoid approaching the Sooloo Islands, as the 

 currents are more rapid, and set rather to the southward. Wherever 

 there is anchorage, it would be advisable to anchor at night, as much 

 time might thus be saved, and a knowledge of the currents or sets of 

 the tides obtained. Perhaps it would be as well to caution those who 

 are venturesome, that it is necessary to keep a good look-out, and 

 those who are timid, that there does not appear to be much danger 

 from the piratical prahus, unless a vessel gets on shore : in that case 

 it will not be long before they will be seen collecting in the horizon in 

 large numbers. 



The treaty that I made with the Sultan, if strictly enforced on the 

 first infraction, will soon put an end to all the dangers to be appre- 

 hended from them. To conclude, I am satisfied that under ordinary 



