S O O L O O. 365 



Mangsee Islands, and those of Balambangan and Banguey. We found 

 this channel clear, and all the dangers well defined. 



As the principal objects of my visit were to ascertain the disposition 

 and resources of the Sooloos for trade, and to examine the straits lead- 

 ing 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 particu- 

 larly 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 

 lime 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- 



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