94 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



yet the current sets on the coast of Borneo, to the north, in their 

 favor, and with great velocity. The approach to the Straits of 

 Balabac ought not to cause anxiety. The Peak of Balabac on the 

 north, as well as that of Banguey on the south, are good and distinct 

 landmarks ; all that is then required is to keep a good lookout from 

 aloft for the shoals and reefs in the range trending north-northeast 

 and south-southwest. The passage through the shoals, sailing west- 

 ward, is best made when the sun is in the east, or during the morning 

 hours ; and it is almost needless to say, that when sailing to the east- 

 ward, the sun should be, for the same reasons, in the west. I would 

 strongly advise that the Great and Little Mangsee should be run for, 

 as they will afford the necessary landmarks to insure a clear passage, 

 and if desirable, at the setting in of night, a vessel may anchor under 

 them until daylight. A few hours will suffice to clear the dangers, 

 and place a vessel in such a position in the China or Sooloo Seas, that 

 she will be enabled to pursue her route, or to seek any port of desti- 

 nation whither she is bound, without further anxiety or detention. 



FROM SINGAPORE TO THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. 



Between 26th February and 13th April, 1842. 



This passage occupied 46 days. On leaving Singapore I chose the 

 route by the Straits of Rhio, thence to the eastward of Lingin Island 

 to the Straits of Banca, and through them to the Straits of Sunda. 

 This I thought the preferable and shortest route. It was taken with a 

 view of examining more particularly the charts extant of these straits. 



Before leaving Singapore, I was permitted, by the kindness of Lieu- 

 tenant Dittlof Jassen, of the Royal Dutch Navy, to take a copy of his 

 MS. chart of the Straits of Rhio, on which he was then engaged. 

 This I examined carefully, and I am gratified in being able to state 

 the confidence I feel in its correctness, and to vouch for the accuracy 

 of very many of its details. 



Leaving Singapore at an early hour, a vessel will reach the entrance 

 of the Rhio Straits before the setting in of the trades, and may be 

 able to pass through to the southern entrance of the straits before 

 being overtaken by night, particularly if the tide should serve. In 

 case of detention, it would be well to drop anchor: this may be done 

 anywhere within the straits with safety ; the depth ranges from 5 to 



