340 
HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
certain mark to distinguish the point, from which it is distant about a third part of 
a league to the south : there is no passage between them. 
44 Two leagues to the west-south-west of this rock, is Fort Dauphin. The coast 
between the point d'ltapere , and that where the fort was placed, forms a cove, called 
Tolongbare by the natives, and Dauphin Cove by the French, who were formerly 
established there. The remains of their fort are still visible. It is in the small bay 
formed by the point, where the ships generally go. 
“ After having ranged for a quarter of a league along the rock d'ltapere , you 
must steer towards the point of Fort Dauphin. This point is surrounded with a 
reef at a cable’s length, and within it is the best anchorage. The point d'ltapere 
should remain to the east, 5 0 or 6° south of the compass; the rock at east by south¬ 
east, and the extremity of the breakers, the nearest to the anchorage, south-east by 
east. The larboard anchor should be in the north-east in seven fathom, with a sandy 
bottom; that of the starboard at east-south-east in six fathom, having from twenty, 
to twenty-eight feet water under the ship. Another anchor should be carried astern, 
to the north-west. 
44 If there is not sufficient day-light to get into the road, you must first double 
the rock d'ltapere , and then anchor in the cove, if the weather will permit; at the 
same time paying the necessary attention to the nature of the bottom, which is not 
every where the same. 
" Water may be found on the shore of the cove, by digging in the sand, which 
will be very good for cattle and culinary purposes; but to obtain better, it must be 
fetched by the blacks in barrels, from more distant springs. 
44 This country is under the government of several chiefs, of whom it is prudent 
to be aware; it is necessary therefore to be vigilant, and to maintain good order. 
This precaution is not only necessary at Fort Dauphin, but also in every other 
place in Madagascar, where the voyager puts in for refreshment. 
•“ Foul Pointe being frequently preferred to Fort Dauphin, as it is more easy of 
approach, affords a better anchorage, and is inhabited by a better kind of people, 
it will be right, after having reached the parallel of 25 0 of latitude, without seeing 
land, or any of those indications which announce a proximity to it, to steer to the 
northward during the day, and north-north-east during the night, to 18 0 10' lati¬ 
tude, when it will be necessary to make the land, in order to reconnoitre the Isle 
,aux Prunes. It is a small islet, situate in 18 0 7' of latitude, two leagues to the 
