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MAY, 1902.]
THE ANDAMANS IN THE XVIIITH CENTURY.
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Coral Bank and reef to northwest of those Islands. These ought to deter Strangers from entering Dilligent Strait, except in Cases of necessity, should such a measure become necessary Strict attention to the following instructions will lead through the Straits with safety. If entering from Northward, first steer for the North Button, which is a small island rendred remarkable from several white Cliffs ; pass to right or Northwest of it not exceeding one mile distant; when a breast steer N. E. and pass middle Button, leaving it also to Northeast and Observing the same distance; when the last is brought to bear E. N. E. it will be necessary to alter the Course to south and to steer in that direction until the north Button is just perceived to eastward of Middle Button ; with this mark steer abont S WbS Observing to keep the Islands in the same position, and this will lead through the narrow part of the Strait clear of the Dangers of either side. A reference to the Chart will make the instructions more easily understood.
The Archipelago Appears to consist of eleven is.ands, of various sizes, I speak with doubt as the largest of fourth island may probably be intersected by narrow channels, which would increase the number. The south Island (now Neill Island) which is very small, bears from Old Harbour Dearly E. N. E. distant seven leagues It is surrounded by a Coral Bank to South and East, the least Water on it is 7 fms except a small Reef from the south extremity which has 3 fm. about half a mile distant from the island. The passage between this and the second island, is clear the ground Coral with some Spots not exceeding the depth of 5 fms.
On the South extreinity of the Second (eland (now Havelock Island] there are a few Coconut trees, it is moderately high the Major part rocky, but Covered with trees except some Cliffs which rise abruptly from the Sea, at the northeast and near the northwest extremities. From the south point there is a Reef on which the sea breaks, half a mile from the shore. A Bay is formed between the two porthern points but it is too shallow for Ships, The passage between the second and third is nearly two miles broad and Clear of danger with very deep Water near the third Island.
The third Island (now Peel Island) is of a triangular form, with a Considerable projection on the north side. The south point which is acute, is formed of high white Cliffs one in particular which is almost insulated, has in many situations the Appearance of a sail. On the south east side there are two small Bays, and at the bottom of the northern one, there are several Coconut Trees, where some natives usually reside. The water is very deep on this part of the Coast, about 40 fms. two miles from the land. From the Northwest angle to the North point of the projection the soundings are very regular Close to this point there is a narrow channel with 7 fm. over a Reef, which extends from the point of the island almost three miles in a north east direction : between this point of the reef, and another extending from an angle of the fourth island, there is another narrow channel By the long reef and the two islands a small but Commodious harbour is formed. The passage between the third and fourth islands (Fourth Island, now known as two - John Lawrence and Wilson Islands] is shut up to eastward by Coral Reefs. The northeast angle of the third island must not be approached closer than three miles, to avoid a Coral reef, which Appeared to be Connected with the island.
The figure of the fourth island as well as its surface, is very irregular, and the soundings round it correspond. On the east side Ship3 must not Approach Closer, than six miles, as Minerva Bank is sitnated that distance to eastward of the island, and on some places of the Bank there is not more than 2 fm at low Water. The east extreme of east island N, N, W. leads to eastward of the Bank. The east side of the island is deeply indented, and some parts behind rugged island may probably be insulated. Round Hill which is remarkable from its regular shape, and being the highest land of the Archipelago forms the Northeast angle of this island it is seen ten leagues distant in Clear weather - Estward of this angle there are several Banks which run off a Considerable distance, all within the dotted line in the Chart Should be avoided.
The passage (Kwangtung Strait] between the fourth and Afth islands (now Henry Lawrence Island] has deep water in the western entrance about the middle there is a Reef,
