BOUGH PASSAGE. 
295 
the IJraga Channel (where a day was spent in sound- 
ing and dredging in 350 fathoms, with very satis- 
factory results), and getting clear of the coast, there 
was every indication of squally weather ; and soon 
after we came in for the full force of the north-west 
monsoon, which with squalls, drenching rain, and 
a rough and turbulent sea, made the passage very 
unpleasant. 
Our utmost endeavours were used to get round Si wo 
Misaki, hut it seemed almost hopeless attempting to 
steam against the strong wind and heavy seas. Even- 
tually it was decided to run into the well-sheltered 
harbour of Oosima. The weather, as soon as we were 
sheltered under the land, brightened up ; and the 
entrance was not devoid of beauty, as island after 
island came into view. We passed a peculiar cluster 
of rocks forming a portion of the harbour at the 
south-east entrance of the Kii Channel, the Japanese 
name of which is Islii Bashi, or Stone Bridge. Two 
pretty little fishing villages (Hasingui and Kusimota) 
are here situated, lying at the foot of a range of 
hills. 
During the night the weather moderated, and 
early the next day we left the anchorage, steamed 
round the extreme south point of JSTipon (Siwo 
Misaki), and entered the Kii Channel. It was a 
clear and beautiful morning, but a mist lay along 
the horizon, which, however, as the day advanced, 
cleared, and at length the high land of the coast was 
