MANILLA AND SOOLOO SEA. 



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typhoons : the anchorage then is unsafe ; these may happen from 

 May till September, but they are more liable to occur at the time 

 of the equinoxes ; during this period of the year there is little trade 

 carried on by the coasting vessels. 



The winds on the west coast of Luconia, in the northeast monsoon, 

 are oftentimes from the north and northwest, and during the south- 

 west monsoon it not unfrequently veers from the south to south- 

 east ; the land and sea-breezes often prevail, advantage of which is 

 taken by vessels on their passage up and down the coast. 



In proceeding to the southward to enter the Sooloo Sea, a preference 

 should be given to the route through the Embarcadero Passage, be- 

 tween Lucon and Mindoro, on the east side of Mindoro, believing it 

 will be found to be generally the best and shortest ; but it is neces- 

 sary to point out to navigators both routes, and permit them to judge 

 and choose for themselves, for there are many times when one route 

 would be preferable to the other ; the season and prevailing wind, 

 and the prospects of the weather, will render it easy for the navigator 

 to determine which to take. 



ISLAND AND STRAITS OF MINDORO. 



Passing the Isle of Cabras, or Goat Isle, 5 miles to the northwest of 

 Luban, stand to the south-southeast, rounding Calavite Point, 10 miles 

 to the west: the land near it rises to the height of 2080 feet, called 

 the Peak of Calavite ; when abreast of it, in the season of the north- 

 east monsoon, the wind will draw off the land, oftentimes in puffs of 

 some force : if too near the land, the breeze will be light ; eddy winds 

 will be experienced, inclining to calms. As the peak is passed, its influ- 

 ence on the. winds will be lost, and a moderate breeze prevail from off 

 the land, which rises in a broken surface from the sea, ridge after 

 ridge, until the highest is reached, which by measurement we made 

 to be 3126 feet : these breezes will enable a vessel to steer for Pandan 

 Islets, pass through the Pandan Channel, and avoid the Apo Shoal. 

 The coast of Mindoro, on its west side, has a low, sandy beach, except 

 at the points, which are rocky. Soundings extend off the coast but a 

 short distance : the sea is generally smooth. South of Calavite Point, 

 9 miles, is Palaon Bay, where vessels may anchor, and obtain wood and 

 water. The anchorage is off the village. The bay is nearly circular, 



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