1832.] ISLAND OF SUMATRA. 191 
nunlbe]:'. The outer oiie, west of all the islands, should always 
be adopted, if practicable, being far more safe and pleasant for 
vessels that do not wishio anchor. The middle passage within 
the chain of islands just mentioned, but outside a range of smaller 
ones, which are nearer the Sumatra shore, should never be selected 
from choice ; as vessels are liable to be driven about by currents, 
and tantalized with light and baffling winds. There is no safe 
anchorage in this passage ; while in many places towards the 
main coast are dangerous shoals and reefs, from one to two and 
three fathoms under water. The inner channel, close along the 
shores of Sumatra, having in most places anchorage, is prefera- 
ble to the middle passage ; but from the numerous islands and 
reefs, either unknown or not marked on the charts (except that 
portion which is embraced in some recent surveys), it is both 
intricate and perplexing. 
It is not improbable that this chain of islands, which runs par- 
allel w:ith the coast of Sumatra, once formed a part of that island ; 
they have been separated from it either by the attrition of the 
sea, or by some more sudden and violent effort of nature. This 
supposition derives strength from the fact, that in several places, 
particularly about Pally, detached pieces of land, in the form 
of islands, stand several hundred yards from the shore, and 
evidently once formed points of headland ; their surface still 
remaining covered with trees, while their sides are bare, abrupt, 
and perpendicular. The northwest and southeast position of 
Sumatra, the similarity of soil, the regularity of the soundings 
within the range of the large islands, and the unfathomable depth 
of water without, add still further confirmation to the hypothesis. 
Hog Island, or Pulo Oo, the most northerly of the range, is 
moderately hilly, covered with trees, and may be seen twelve or 
fifteen leagues in clear weather. It is thinly inhabited by emi- 
grants from Acheen, who carry on a small trade in cocoanut oil 
and cocoanuts. As vessels have always given this island a wide 
birth, such dangers as may exist in its immediate vicinity are but 
little known. Between its southern extremity and two small 
islands, several leagues to the south, there is a safe passage.. 
The Cocoas, about twenty miles to the westward of Hog Island, 
are in latitude 3° 1' north, 
Pulo Nyas is the largest of all the islands on this coast, and is 
