(a.) 22.-Also, that on and after the 1st day of July, 1881, the upper fixed white light on the northern hill of Hogland will be again exhibited, the repairs and alterations in the system of lighting being completed. (b.) 23.-The light will show white up the Sound, from the eastern shore of the island of Islay, till it bears about S. W.; red towards the island of Jura, from S. W. till it bears about West; and white from West round southerly and as far to the westward as visible, or until obscured by the south side of Islay. Variation 26° 10′ W. in 1861. (c.) 25.-The Castor Rock, with only 15 feet on it at low water springs, lies N.N.E. E., 2 cables from the lighthouse; it is marked by a beacon, with a flag having the word "Rock" painted on it. Between this rock and the lighthouse there are patches of 19 and 24 feet water. To avoid these dangers, a vessel of large draught when passing to the N.E. of the lighthouse should give it a berth of 3 cables before hauling in for Simons Bay. When bound to Simons Bay from the southward by day, the lighthouse kept in line with Elsey Peak, N. W., will lead between the Whittle Rock and Miller Point. By night this bearing of the light is the only guide. Caution. The light on Cape Point shows a bright face every minute, and the light on the Roman Rocks every half minute. (d.) 26.-Reef off Stewart Island, New Zealand.-This danger consists of two rocks, 3 to 6 feet high, close together, in the track of vessels rounding the S.E. side of Stewart Island. It is 7.1 miles E.b.N. N. from Owen Island off Lord River, and 74 miles S.E. E. from East Head, north of Port Adventure; in lat. 47° 7°6′ S., and long. 168° 21.6′ E. Variation, 16° 20′ E. in 1861. ZEALANDIA SHOAL. We have received the following confirmation of this shoal from its discoverer, Captain J. Foster. Ship Zealandia, Manila, July 1st, 1861. Dear Sir,-In your volume for 1859, page 443, is my report of shoal in the North Pacific (Marianne Group) which you have named Zealandia Shoal, after the above ship. On my passage from New Zealand to Hong Kong, 15th of April last, at 10h. a.m., Sariguan Island bearing west, having a steady N.E. Trade wind, 7 knots, I determined, if possible, to have another look at the above danger, so shaped a course to bring the two islands (Sariguan and Farrallon de Torres) on the reported bearings. At 3h. p.m. the look-out on the topsail-yard reported breakers a-head: steered to pass about a cable's length to the northward of them, when passing two large patches of black, pointed, and jagged looking rocks were plainly seen, the sea breaking furiously, and at times leaving them dry five or six feet. The water was apparently lower than when I saw the breakers the previous voyage. The rocks were not then visible, or if they had been of coral formation I might have imagined a two years' growth had brought them in sight. The bearings when abreast of the shoal are:-Peak of Saraguan, S.b.W. W., from four to five leagues; Farrallon de Torres, N. W., the latter not being in a good position for a cross bearing, more dependance may be placed on the former and assumed distance. It is surprising these shoals have not been reported before, as this channel must be much used by vessels from the colonies to the China Sea. Should you think fit to confirm my former report of these dangers, by publishing this in your Magazine, do so and oblige, Your obedient servant. To the Editor of the Nautical Magazine. AMAZONE BANK, China Sea. JOHN FOSTER. The following has not yet appeared in the chart. It it S.E. from the Camboja River, and to the N.E. about fifty miles. The Hongkong Register of May 6th publishes the following report from the master of the Amazone. About seven a.m. on the 20th ult, he observed a bank or shoal, which did not then appear to be more than three feet below the bottom of the ship. The exact locality is not stated, but the latitnde by observation at noon on the same day was 9° 16' N. and long. 107° 29′ E. This bank, we understand, is not marked on any of his charts, nor on Horsburgh's charts for 1846. We commend it to the attention of seamen. CHARTS, &c., Published by the Hydrographic Office, Admiralty, to the end of September, 1861, and Sold by the Agent, J. D. Potter, 31, Poultry, and 11, King Street, Tower Hill. England, South coast, Plymouth Sound and Hamoaze, with views, Commander H. L. Cox, R.N., 1860, (5s.) England, West coast, sheet 9, Liverpool Bay and views, corrected to 1861, (18. 6d.) Ireland, North-East, Lough Larne, with views, Mr. R. Hoskyn, Master, R.N., 1860, (2s. 6d.) Mediterranean Sea, Malta Island, Valetta Harbour, Captains Graves and Spratt, R.N., 1860, (3s.) Mediterranean Sea, Rhodes Island and plan of ports, Commander Graves, R.N., (3s. 6d.) Mediterranean Sea, Syria, Iskanderún to Markhab, Commander Mansell, R.N., 1860, (3s.) English Channel Pilot, vol. I., 2nd edition, Mr. J. W. King, Master, R.N., 1861, (4s.) West India Pilot, vol. I., Captain E. Barnett, R.N., 1861, (5s.) Vancouver Island Pilot, Captain G. H. Richards, R.N., 1861, (28.) TO CORRESPONDENTS. We regret being obliged from want of space to curtail our Nautical Club Report, but shall supply the omission in our next. |