l46 BAY OF AMPHILA. 
between it and the main land, full half a mile broad, with five 
fathoms water. On the coast, a little to the westward of this 
passage^ wells of fresh water are said to be found, which are much 
frequented by the natives who navigate this sea. 
The shore from Rackmah to Has Kussar lies flat and low, but 
is bounded by high mountains at no great distance in the interior. 
A dangerous reef of rocks projects from Ras Kussar about three 
miles in a north-east direction, unnoticed in Captain Court's 
chart: from this dangerous reef the name of Kussar" is pro- 
bably derived^ as the word in Arabic signifies ' broken.' In 
passing it we had only four fathoms, though at the time we were 
full five miles from the point of land. Not being able to reach 
Amphila before sunset. Captain Weatherhead thought it best to 
put the ship under easy sail, and to lie to for the night, which, 
with the knowledge now existing of the coast, may here be safely 
ventured. 
On the 11th, in the morning, it became nearly calm, but as 
soon as the sea-breeze sprung up, we made sail, and reached 
Amphila by twelve o'clock. We passed the first island in nine 
fathoms water, at about one mile distant, and came to an an- 
chor between the second and third islands in six fathoms, in a 
situation sheltered from the north-west, but open to the east 
winds. As this anchorage lay exposed to a heavy sea, the 
Captain immediately proceeded to examine the bay, which had not 
been before surveyed, with the hope of discovering a more secure 
harbour, and we sent a boat on shore, which brought oiF Hadjee 
Alii in the evening. , 
Hadjee Alii appeared to be in a very miserable plight, and 
