Napakiang.

latitude of the observatory was determined to be 26° 13, 34" north, the mean of three meridian altitudes of the sun by a sextant of Cary's, and five by a circle of Troughton's, the extreme difference being 20". The longitude is 127° 38′ east; this was ascertained by measuring the difference of longitude between the observatory and Lintin Island off Canton river in a run of six days; on which occasion two chronometers on board the Lyra gave within one mile the same difference of longitude, viz. 13° 50′, with that shewn by two others on board his majesty's ship Alceste; the longitude of Lintin being 113° 48' east of Greenwich. The longitude, by lunar observations, is 127° 37′ 28′′. The plan Plan of of Napakiang roads will be found sufficient without many directions for ships wishing to enter it. The principal danger Directions on lies in the outer reefs, which do not show when the weather Napakiang. is very fine and there is little swell; on such occasions a boat ought to go a-head at least a quarter of a mile, and the ship should put about instantly upon approaching the reefs, which are every where bold. A ship coming from Reef Island. the westward ought to steer between the north-eastern of the group of high islands to the south-westward, and a low green island with extensive reefs to the northward, in latitude 26° 15′ north. On passing which she should haul up east by south, giving Reef Island a birth of at least a mile.

entering Napa

On approaching the main land a conspicuous wooded Directions for point will be seen, having rocks on its summit like the ruins kiang roads. of an abbey; this forms the south side of the anchorage, and is considerably more to the westward than the northeast side. The harbour of Napakiang will soon be seen at the south side of the bay; steer directly in for this, giving

off the mouths

Abbey Point a birth of half a mile, and when directly between the south end of the outer reefs and Abbey Point Capstan Rock. haul up east by north. There is a very remarkable rock on the south-east side of the anchorage resembling the head of a capstan. It would be safest to anchor when this bears about south-south-east half a mile at most, in order to avoid a dangerous coral tongue, which lies north a little easterly from it, three-quarters of a mile; but as this anchorage is exposed, the ship may proceed farther in as soon as the exact place of the reef has been ascertained by boats; and if she proposes staying any time, she may warp into Barnpool, taking the precaution of placing a boat on each side of the entrance. There are two rivulets at this place, and Best anchorage probably the best anchorage is off their mouths, the bottom consisting of the mud brought down by the stream. There is a well on the eastern side supplied by a spring, and there are landing places at the entrance of both harbours. There is a safe passage between the reef, on which the base was measured, and the outer ones. The Lyra passed through this three times; and if the object is to go to the northward it ought to be followed, provided the wind will admit of steering north and two points on each side of it. The leading mark for going by this passage is Capstan Fort or Rock, on with a remarkable nose formed by the trees on the highest distant land; these are on when they bear about south by east half east. It would certainly not be advisable for a stranger to enter by this passage, but he may run on coming from the northward along the shore at the distance of two or three miles till Reef Island bears west, and then he should look sharply out for the reefs, keeping outside them till near Abbey Point, then act as

The northern entrance.

ward towards

before directed. On running down towards Napakiang Appearance of land in coming from the northward a remarkable bluff table land will be from the northseen to the southward of Abbey Point. The west face of Napakiang. Abbey Point ought to be kept just on with the east end of the table land; this will take you further out than is absolutely necessary; but it is safe; and when Reef Island is just on with the northern of the group of distant islands you will be exactly off the north entrance.

it

On coming from the southward the only danger that lies in the way is a coral reef even with the water's edge; is of a circular form, and at low water several rocks shew on it. On every occasion that we passed the sea broke high upon it; but from what we saw of other similar reefs, it seems very probable that when the water is smooth it will give no warning: it is about eight miles west, 15° north of the extreme south point of the island, and lies in latitude 26° 7′ north, and longitude 127° 26' east of Greenwich.

Dangerous coral

reef about four

leagues southkiang

west by west from Napa

proach it, and

Port Melville is on the north-west side of the island, Port Melville. A ship wishing to enter it ought to make the Sugar Loaf Directions to ap Peak, and steer between it and the cluster of islands to the northward, directly for the bottom of the bight, which lies between the Sugar Loaf and the north end of the island; here Herbert's Island will be seen close to the shore, run in towards its western end, anchor when it bears east one-third of a mile, and the Sugar Loaf west one-quarter north, barely to anchor preshut in with a low dark green point of land; here you will the harbour. have from seventeen to twenty fathoms.

The entrance of the harbour is narrow, and ought not to be attempted without previous examination by the boats of a ship wishing to enter it. With a very little trouble the

vious to entering

Boats should be channel.

sent to buoy the

Eye-draught of
Port Melville.

Villages of Cooee and of Oonting.

passage might be buoyed: a large ship will probably find it expedient to warp in and out.

The eye-draught, with the directions on it, render much further notice here superfluous. The harbour is secure, and sufficiently capacious for a numerous fleet. It extends in a north and south direction for about two miles, varying in breadth and form in a very remarkable manner; at the lower or north end there are two basons of a circular form, and have from nine to fifteen fathoms, soft bottom; these are about one-third of a mile across. At some places the steep rocks which form the banks approach within an hundred yards of one another; here the water is sixteen, eighteen, and twenty fathoms. There are many fine coves, some with shelving shores, and others steep-to. Every part of the harbour is secured from the sea, and many parts from all winds: it is well calculated for the re-equipment of ships, for it is not only secure as an anchorage, but offers conveniences for landing men and stores, and also for heaving down or careening a ship.

There are several large villages on the shores of an extensive bay, communicating with the sea to the northeastward, at the upper or south end of the line of harbours, and one called Oonting on the west side of the lower harbour; there is another of some extent, on the south side of Herbert's Island, called Cooee.

By permission of Captain Maxwell, I have named this excellent harbour, Port Melville, in honour of Lord Viscount Melville, First Lord of the Admiralty.

From the top of a range of hills which we ascended, rising on the south side of the upper bay of Port Melville,