hie uf France, ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



527 



The long measure is the inc, which Is about 4 China cubits, or G.J feet 

 English, nearly ; and 2{ Japanese leagues are computed to be about 1 Dutch 

 league. 



SECTION XXX. 

 ISLE OF FRANCE, ST. HELENA, AZORES, &cc. 



IN the Indian Ocean are several islands, the principal of which are 

 Rodrigue, called also Diego Rais ; the Isle of France, or Mauritius ; and 

 Bourbon, or Mascarenhas. 



RODRIGUE. — This island extends E. and W., about 16 miles, and 

 is about 7 in breadth from N. to S. It is situated in latitude 19° 41' S., and 

 longitude 63' !(/ E. Near the middle of the island is a remarkable peak, 

 which answers as a guide for the road ; when it bears south, you are abreast 

 of the road, which is called Mathewren Bay : it is safe when you are in, 

 but the channel is very intricate. The bay has been surveyed by Lieut. 

 Grubb, who describes the bottom as good holding ground, free from rocks, 

 being a mixture of sand and mud. There are two channels for entering or 

 leaving the harbour : the E., being only about 250 yards broad, is intricate 

 for large ships; the W. or leeward channel is free from danger. Ships 

 should enter by the E,, and leave by the W. channel. 



Provisions and Refreshments. — Here is abundance of turtle and of 

 fish ; but some of the latter are said to be poisonous. Ample supplies of 

 wood and water may be obtained with the greatest facility. 



ISLE OF FRANCE, called Mauritius by the English and Dutch, is 

 about 100 leagues to the W. of Rodrigue. It is high and mountainous, and 

 may be seen 18 leagues off in clear weather. It extends hi a N. E. and 

 S. W. direction, the S. W. point being in latitude 20° 27' S. and longitude 

 57° 16' E., and the N. E. point in latitude 19 J 53' S., and longitude 57° 3& E. 



There are two ports or harbours, Tort Louis or Port North-west, and 

 Port Bourbon. 



Port Louis, the capital of this island, and seat of Government, is 

 situated at the bottom of a triangular bay, the entrance to which is very 



