V 
32 
trance of the Harbour; this flat extends 
from the Queddah shore to the Island, and 
is nearly two miles in breadth, but upon 
which, there is never less than four fa¬ 
thoms at low-water spring tides; thus the 
Harbour may be considered as a spaci¬ 
ous bason, capable of containing the larg¬ 
est fleets with perfect ease and safety: 
the principal entrance is from the North 
West. There is also a very fine Channel 
to the Southward, with sufficient water 
for a 74-gun ship, and through which 
many of the large China ships have sailed. 
This Channel, which was first discovered 
by Sir Home Popham, is of the greatest 
importance to the trade of the Island. 
To the above advantages, is to be added, 
the very important one of its easy access 
at all seasons of the year. j 
4. « * - f- f ■* f * * rj 
V 1 \ - 
Every one acquainted with the Bay of 
Bengal, knows the tempestuous weather 
