354 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



and 5 miles in diameter, and easy of access. Point Tubuli lies to the 

 southward of it, and the coast between it and the bay lies north and 

 south 8 miles. Between Tubuli Point and the Pandan Islets, the dis- 

 tance is 37 miles : the coast makes here a considerable indentation. 

 Talabasi Point lies half way between Tubuli and the Pandans. When 

 abreast of Pandan Point, the Apo Shoal lies west 12 miles : it has 

 deep water close to it ; on the eastern side it seldom shows any ripples, 

 but when the water is low, the small sandspit on its eastern end may 

 be seen. 



Steer so as to pass a mile or two to the west of the Island of Am- 

 bolan. The passage to the south of the Pandan Islets is clear. The dis- 

 tance to Ambolan is 35 miles, and the coast trends south-southeast. 

 In close proximity to the Island of Ambolan, lie two others, East and 

 "West Ylin : these cover the Bay of Usnariga, which indents the south- 

 west coast of Mindoro : it is said to offer good anchorage and supplies, 

 but our time did not permit us to examine it. It is an extensive 

 sheet of water; but those desiring to enter it should be cautious about 

 approaching its points too closely, as there are many outlying rocks, 

 some distance off, and under water. 



The passage to the west of the Apo Shoal is usually called the 

 Northumberland Channel, or Strait : this is bounded on the west by 

 the Calamines Islands ; on the east by Apo Islet and Shoal. This 

 channel is wider than the Pandan ; and if it be the intention to take 

 it, vessels, after coming up with Calavite Point, should steer for the 

 centre of Busvagan Island, which will lead clear of the Apo Shoal ; 

 if not seen when abreast of Pandan Point, then haul to the south- 

 southeast, to clear the eastern coast of the Calamines Islands, or, 

 if desirous of closing with the southern point of Mindoro, steer 

 directly for it : there are no obstructions in the way. The Island 

 of Ambolan may be approached within a mile. To pursue the safest, 

 though more tedious, route towards Panay, it will be necessary to 

 turn to windward of the Island of Semarara, but if the weather is 

 favorable and with daylight, I would advise continuing to the south- 

 ward, with a good lookout for shoals from aloft. The principal shoals 

 to be avoided are the Falmouth Bank, Vincennes, Camden, and Siam 

 Shoals, having 12 to 21 feet water on them : these may be passed, 

 with care, in safety. There may be a few others on which a ship of 

 large size would touch, but I think, as the route is so much shorter, 

 and the delay great in pursuing the one to windward of Semarara, it 



