Sept.] SALDANHA BAY—ST. HELEN'S BAY. 281 



passage, and the best for strangers, is on the south of it. We car- 

 ried in from fifteen to ten fathoms of water, and chose our anchorage 

 in four. 



Ships going into this bay with the intention of anchoring in its south- 

 ern arm must keep the south shore close on board ; and after passing 

 the inner point of the bay, haul round immediately to the south, and 

 anchor in front of Riot Bay, in five or six fathoms of water, about half 

 a mile from the shore, on the west side of the harbour. Here vessels 

 may lie in perfect safety, sheltered from all winds ; and if in want of 

 fresh water, the casks may be rafted up the lagoon, on the flood-tide, 

 and filled on the east side from the spring before mentioned, which is 

 about half a mile below the guard-house, or flag-staff. When the casks 

 are filled, they can be rafted down to the ship in a short time by taking- 

 advantage of the ebb-tide. Firewood, however, is very scarce on the 

 banks of the bay, but it can be purchased at a low rate of the neigh- 

 bouring farmers, who will bring it to the ship. 



At the entrance of the lagoon on the south side of Saldanha Bay are 

 two small islands ; within which, about two miles on the west side, is 

 the East India Company's post ; and about one mile farther up, on 

 the east side, is the president's quarters. Here there is generally a 

 justice of the peace and a small company of regular troops. Between 

 this place and Cape Town there is a regular intercourse, and a mail, 

 which arrives at each place twice a week. 



Refreshments of various kinds may likewise be purchased of the 

 farmers, who cultivate the soil on the east side of the bay, — rearing 

 cattle, horses, sheep, and hogs for the market at Cape Town. Fruits 

 and vegetables may be had in abundance at a very moderate price, and 

 at a short notice. A plenty of excellent fish may be caught in almost 

 any part of the bay, either with a seine or a hook and line. In fact, 

 this is an excellent place for ships that require repairs, repose, or 

 refreshments. 



In running for Saldanha Bay in the night, or in thick weather, care 

 should be taken not to fall in with the land to the north of Baven's 

 Point, which is the north point of the bay ; as there are many sunken 

 rocks between this and St. Helen's Bay, some of which run from three 

 to five miles to the westward, with bold water between them. 



September 1 Oth. — After taking on board a sufficient quantity of fresh 

 water, of an excellent quality, with a fine stock of refreshments of all 

 kinds, we got under way on Wednesday, the 10th of September, and 

 steered to the north, with a fine breeze from south-south-east, and fair 

 weather, with the intention of examining the west coast of Africa, as 

 far as the tropic of Capricorn. On the following morning, at five, A. M., 

 we were close in with St. Martin's Point, which lies in latitude 32° 42' 

 S., long. 17° 45' E. ; variation per azimuth at nine, A. M., 27° 4' W. 

 High water on full and change days at half-past two ; rise, seven feet. 



St. Martin's Point projects from the coast in a north-west direction, 

 forming the west side of St. Helen's Bay, the northern point of which 

 is Cape Deseada. The distance between these two points is nine 

 leagues, and the bay is four leagues deep, running into the east and 

 south-east, with regular soundings, from twenty to four fathoms, as 



