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LE PETIT NEPTUNE FRANÇAIS;
OR,
FRENCH COASTING PILOT,
FOR THE
COAST OF FLANDERS, CHANNEL, BAY OF BISCAY,
AND MEDITERRANEAN.
TO WHICH IS ADDED,
THE COAST OF ITALY FROM THE RIVER VAR
TO ORBITELLO;
WITH THE
GULF OF NAPLES,
AND THB
ISLAND OF CORSICA;
ILLUSTRATED WITH CHARTS, PLANS, &C.
Hunc, tu quisquis es, tali favore amplectare, quali nitore nunc ipsum tua mentis per-
spicacitate constare intueberis. j. UPS,
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR W. FADEN, GEOGRAPHER TO HIS MAJESTY, AND
TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES,
CH ARING-CROSS.
1793.
ADVERTISEMENT.
1 HE alterations in the Port of Cherbourg being at present unfinished;
an account of the construction and progress of the new works is given iri
an Appendix.
All the soundings in the following Directions are in French fathoms , each
of five French feet ; the proportion of the French foot to the English foot
being nearly as 14 to 15.
LIST OF THE CHARTS AND PLANS,
WITH DIRECTIONS FOR PLACING THEM.
Flate
Xo. P"S'
Tower of Cordouan, to foce
the Title.
1 General Chart of the Coasts
and Rivers of France, to
face the Tables of Longi-
tude and Latitude.
2 Chart from Ostend to Am-
bleteuse, - i
including the British
11
12
M
lO
4
5
6
Channel,
— from Calais to Fecamp, 12
— from Fecamp to Barfleur 1 6
Road and Bay of Havre de
Grace, _ _ _
7 Chart from Neville to the Isles
Brchat, _ _ _
8 Isles of Chausey, or Chose,
and Chart of Part of the
Coast of Brittany from
Cancale to St. Malo,
9 Harbour of St. Malo, and
Road of Ranee,
10 Road of Bas, with the En-
trances of the Rivers of St.
Pol and Morlaix,
Chart from Isles de Brchat
to Port Louis,
Road of Brest, with the an-
choring ground for Men
of War,
1 3 Soundings at the Entrance of
the Channel off Ushant,
Harbours of Port Louis and
L'Orient,
15 Chart from L'Orient to St.
Gilles,
16 Belle Isle,
17 Morbihan and Gulf of Vannes 72
18 Chart from St. Gilles to the
Gironde, _ _ 76
19 Isle de Ré, - 78
27
38
39
44
53
57
61
68
70
72
Plutt
A',).
20
i 21
22
23
24
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Pige
Road of Basque, - 8i
Chart from Royan to Contis, 84
Entrance of the Gironde or
Bourdeaux River, - 84
Chart from Contis to Bilboa
in Spain, _ 91
Chart of the Bay of Biscay, 95
Chart of the Coast of France
in the Mediterranean, 106
— ' — from Port Vendre to
the Petit Rhone, - 106
from Aiguës Mortes to
Brcgançon, - - 107
Bay and Road of Marseilles, 108
Roads of Toulon, - 109
Bay and Isles D Hyeres, no
Chart from Isles D'Hyeres
to the River V'ar, - 1 1 1
Isle St. Margaret, and Road
of Gourjan, - 112
Chart from the River Var to
Orbitello, with the Island
of Corsica, - 115
Harbour of Genoa, - ii6
Road of Leghorn, - 117
Island of Corsica, - 120
Harbours of Porto Vecchio,
Bonifacio, and Straits of
ditto, - 123
Roads of Figarone, and St.
Fiorentino; Port of Calvi ;
Road of Ajaccio ; Gulfs of
Valinco and CampoMoro, 131
Gulf of Naples,
Appearances of the Land
from Ostend to Ushant,
Appearances of the Land At
from Ushant to Islede Re V the
Appearances of the Land end.
from Isle de Ré to Aii-
- tibes.
CONTENTS.
Table of the Latitudes and Longitudes of the principal Places
on the Coast of France, - page xiii
Table of Tides on the Coast, and in the Ports of Flanders and France, xvi
CHAP. I.
Directions for Sailing on the Coast of Flanders, between
OsTEND and Calais,
Ostend, - _ _ _ _ page i
Nieuport, _ _ _ _ i^id,
Dunkirk, _ _ _ _ _ 2
Directions for the West Channel, - - - ibid.
Buoys, - - - - 3
Directions jor the East Channel, - - 4
Gravelines, _ _ _ _ ibid.
Calais, _ _ _ _ _ ^
Banks of Flanders, _ - _ > _ ibid.
Tides and Currents, - - - - 8
Soundings, - - • - - - ~ 9
Courses ajid Distances, - - - ibid.
CHAP. II.
Directions for Sailing on the Coast of France, in the Channel.
Calbarde, or Ripraps, - - - - 11
St. Johns Road, _ .. _ _ ibid.
Boulogne, - - - - - -12
Etaples, ______ iljid^
River Somme, - - -, - 13
Tréport, - - - - - 14
J ieppe, _ _ _ _ ibid.
Cape Lailly, and its Light-house, - - 15
St. V aller y en Caux, - - - 16
Féca?np, or Fécan, _____ ibid.
Light-houses of Cape la Heve, - - - 17
Directions for the Roads of Havre, by Mons. de Gaulle, - 18
VI CONTENTS.
Le Havre de Grace, or the Havre, - -' page 19
Honfeur, - - - - - -20
Touque, - - - -' ■* - 31
Dive, or St. Sauveur sur Dive, - - ibid.
Mouth of the River Orne, or River of Caen, - ibid.
Isles St. Marcou, - - - - 25
Isigny, _ - - - ibid.
La Hougue, or La Hague, _ - _ _ ihiJ,
Cape Barjieur, - - - - - 24
Granville Rock, ----- qj
Cape Barfeur Light-house, - - - 2,6
Instructions for the Four Light-houses of Normandy, - ibid.
Cape Levy, - - - - - 27
Cherbourg, - * - - 28
Cape la Hague, ----- 29
Directions for the Isles of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, &c.
by Capt. Dobree.
Aldei-ney, with the Race of Alderney, and the Passage au Singe, 29
The Caskets, _____ go
Isle of Guernsey, - - - - - 31
The Little Russel, _ _ _ i^ij^
The Great Russel, - ~ - - - 32
Coming by the South Side of Guernsey, ~ ' 33
The Great and Little Roads, - - "34
Isle of Jersey, - - "35
The Minquiers, - - - "3*5
Continuation of the French Coast.
Grand Ance, _ _ - _ _ /^/^_
Nez de Carteret, or Carteret Ness, - - ibid.
Portbail, _ _ - _ jbid.
Rocks of Ecreho, - - - "37
Le Bœuf, - - - - - ibid.
Granville, - - . - - ibid.
Isle de Chausey, or Chose, - - " 3^
Mount St. Michael, - - _ _ /è/^_
Cancalle, _ - _ - - jUd^
CONTENTS. VU
St. Malo, - - - - - page ^^g
La Couchée, _ _ _ - ibid.
La Petite Porte, or Chatmel of the Little Gate, - 39
La Grande Porte, or Channel of the Great Gate, - 40
Passage des Décollées, _ _ » ibid.
La Pierre de Ranee, or Ranee Stone, - - ibid.
Cape Frehel, and Light-house, - - - 41
Baye de la Frcsnaye, _ _ _ - ibid.
Isles de Bréhat, _ - - - ibid.
Roche Douvre, (Rock Dover) - - - 4s
River of Treguier, _ - - ibid.
Isle Tome, - - - - ibid.
The Seven Isles, _ _ - ibid.
The Triagons, - - - "43
River of Lanion, - - - - ibid.
Morlaix, - - - - 44
St. Pol de Leon, - - - _ ibid.
Roche Blanche, ~ " " 45
Isle de Bas, _ _ _ _ ibid.
Bay d'Abreverak, _ _ _ ^6
Rochers du P or sal, _ - - ibid.
Tides and Currents, - - 47
Soundings, - - - 48
Courses and Distances, - "5°
CHAP. III.
Directions for Sailing on the Coast of France, in the Atlantic
Ocean.
The Four, - - - 53
Les Platresses, - - ibid.
Blanc Sablon, - - 55
St. Matthew's Point, - - ibid.
Ushant, or Ouessant, - - 5^
Rock called the Cock, - - ibid.
Buzec Rock, - - ibid.
Bay of Brest, - - 57
Camaret, _ - - ibid.
Viii CONTENTS.
Toulinguet Roch, - - page 5*7
La Parquette Rock, - - 58
Rocks called Le Gouemont, and La Vendée, - ibid.
Pointe des Pezeaux, - - ibid.
Le Bec de la Chèvre, - - 59
Rocks, called Le Bouc, La Chèvre, and Le Chevreau, ibid.
Bay of P old avid, or Doiiarnenex Bay, - ibid;
La Vielle and La Platte Rocks, - - 60
Isles des Sains, Le Chat, and Le Cornet, - ibid.
Livenet Rock, - - ibid.
Stevenec Rock, - - ibid.
Le Pont de Sains, or Saints Rocks, - ibid.
Passage de I'Iroise, - - - 61
Tides and Currents, _ _ - ibid.
Soundings off Ushant, - . - - ibid.
Courses and Distances, - - 64,
CHAP. IV.
Directions for Sailing on the Coast of France, in the Bay of Biscay,
or Gulf of Gascony, from the Raz of Fontenay to Fontarabia.
Port aux Cabestrans, - - ^5
Ho di erne, _ _ _ /^/^.
Penmark Rocks, _ _ _ /^/^,
River du Pont l'Abbé, - - 66
River of Ouhnper, - - ibid.
Concarneau, - - - ibid.
Isles of Glenan, - - 67
La Jument, or the Mare Rock, - - ibid.
Isles aux Moutons, or Sheep Islands, - ibid.
Poi't Louis, - - ibid.
L'Orient, - - -68
Instructions for the Entrance of Port Louis, by Mans. D'Apres
de Mannevillettc, ' - - ibid.
Groix, or Grouais, - - 70
Quibcron, _ _ > ihiJ,
Houat, or Hedic Islands, - - 71
Cardinaux, or Cardinals, - - ibid.
CONTENTS. IX
Belle Isle, or Bellisk, - - page 72
Entrance of the Rivers Vannes and Auray, - ibid.
River Vilaine, - - "" 73
Croisic, - - "74
The Loire, or River of Nantes, - - ibid.
Noirmoustier, or Nermontier, and Bay of Boiirgneuf, - 76
Isle D'Teu, ^ , J ibid.
Saint Gilles, - - - 77
Les Barges d'Olonne, * * ibid.
Harbour of Olonne, - - 7^
Pertuis Breton, _ - - ibid.
The Whales Rocks, or Rochers des Baleines, - 79
Roche Bonne, and Les Banches Vertes, - 80
Laverdin, _ _ _ ibid.
Pertuis d'Antioche, - - 81
Isle d'Aix, and River of Charente, ' - - 82
Brouage, - - - ibid.
Oleron, - - - 83
General Directions for Sailing in between the Isle of Oleron,
Isle d'Aix, and Isle de Ré, by an English Officer, - ibid.
Roche Bonne, and Les Banches Vertes, - 84,
Instructions for the Entrance of the Gironde, or River of Bour-
deaux, by Mons. Magin, - - ibid,
Channel of Char entais, - - 85
of Mate lier, - - ibid.
oj Lescameau, - - 87
of La Porte, - - ibid.
des Graves, - - ibid.
Continuation of the Course to Bourdeaux, by Du Bocage, 89
Coast of Arcasson, and River of Char entais, - ibid.
Bassin d' Arcasson, - - go
Passe du Papon, or Southern Channel, - ibid.
Bayonne, - - - -91
St. Jean de Luz, - - ibid.
Tides and Currents, - - 92
Soundings in the Bay of Biscay, by M. Magin, - g$
Courses and Distances, - - 103
CONTENDS.
CHAP. V.
Directions for Sailing along the Coast of France, in th e Medi-
terranean, from Cape de Creux to Antibes.
Cape de Creux, - - page 106
Cette, - - - ibid.
Martigues, - - 107
Marseille, - - . - 108
La Ciotat, - - - ibid.
Toulon, - - log
Isles d'Hyeres, - - 110
i^aint Tropez, - - 111
Gulf of Fr ejus, - - _ ibid.
Cape Roux, - - - ibid.
Road of Gourjan, or Gourgen, - - lis
Directions for Gourjan Road, by the late Capt. John Clark, of
the Royal Navy, - - ibid.
Antibes, - - 113
Courses and Distances, - - 114
CHAP. VI.
Directions for Sailing into several Ports of the Coast of Italy,
from Antibes to Porto Ferraro ; by Capt. John Clark.
Fill a Franca, - - 115
Genoa, - - - 116
Gulf of I. a Spezzia, and Porto Venere, - ibid.
Livorno, or Leghorn, - - 117
Isle of Elba, or Ilva, and Porto Ferraro, - 118
CHAP. VII.
ISLAND OF CORSICA.
Directions for Sailing along the Coasts of Corsica, and into its
principal Bays and Harbours, from Mons. Bellin,
Directions for the Eastern Coast, from Cape Corso to the Straits of
Bonifacio.
Cape Corso, «. - - i^q
CONTENTS. XI
Finocchiarola Islands, - -^ p^g^ 126
Bastia - - * lai
The Coast from Bastia to Porto Vecchio, - 122
Porto Vecchio, - . - 123
The Coast from Porto Vecchio, betiveen Cape Chiapa and Cape
Esperone, - - 125
Straits of Bonifacio, - - 127
North Coast of the Straits of Bonifacio, fro?n Point Fumara to
Cape Fieno, - - _ ibid.
The Coast frojn Cape Fieno to Cape Senetozo, - 129
Western Coast from Cape Senetozo to Cape Rivelata nearCalvi, 131
Gulf of Valinco, or Talana, and Campo Moro, - ibid.
Gulf of Ajaccio, - - - 13s
Gulf of Sagone, - - 134
The Coast from Point Corghese to Palaca, - 135
From Palaca to Cape Rivelata, - - 136
Northern Coast from Cape Rivelata to Cape Corso, - 137
Harbour of Calvi, - - ibid.
The Coast between Calvi and St. Fiorenzo, - 138
Gulf of St. Fiorenzo, - - 139
From the Gulf of St. Fiorenzo to the Northernmost End of the
Island, - - - 141
A 3
ERRATA,
P. 45, line ic, have assured me, mid (says Du Bocage).
P. 127, line 19, La Glesta, reiid La Testa.
P. 131, luie 3, directions for the Eastern Coast, rcud Western.
P. 131, line 7, Cape Malo, read Cape Muro.
[ X"' ]
A TABLE
Of the principal Places on the Coast of France, in'hose Situations- of La-
titude and Longitude have been determined by Astronomical Observation,
by Messrs. Maraldi aHcfCAssiNi de Thury, Members of the Royal
Academy of Sciences at V AKis.
Latitude.
Longitude
Long, from
Long, from
Long, from
fiom Ferro.
the Lizard.
London.
Paris.
d. m, s.
d. ni. s.
d. m. s.
d. m. s.
d. m. s.
Abbeville
5° 7 '
19 29 40
7 26 55
I 54 55E-
30 20
Agde
43 i8 57
21 18 II
9 15 26
3 43 20E.
1 18 iiE.
Aix
43 31 35
23 6 34
Ï0 3 49
5 3< 49E.
3 6 34E.
Amblsteuse
50 48 13
19 15 46
7 '3 I
I 41 I
44 14
Antibes
43 34 50
24 4*^ 33
iz 45 48
7 '3 48S.
4 48 33E.
Aries
43 4° 33
22 18
10 IS 15
4 43 >5E.
2 18 oE.
Avignon
43 57 25
22 28 33
10 25 48
4 Si 48E.
2 28 33E.
Au ray
47 40 -4
14 40 8
2 37 23
2 44 37
S 19 52
Avranches
48 41 18
16 17 22
4 '4 37
I 17 23
3 42 38
Bayeux
49 '6 30
16 57 9
4 54 24
37 36
3 2 5'
Bayonne
43 29 21
16 9 54
4 7 9
I 25 51
3 SO 6
Barfleur
49 4° '7
16 23 35
4 20 50
I 1 1 10
3 36 25
Berg
5° 57 43
20 6 u
8 3 26
2 31 26E.
6 iiE.
Bourdeaux
44 50 18
17 5 II
5 2 26
29 34
2 54 49
Boulogne
SO 43 3'
19 16 44
7 13 59
I 41 59E.
43 16
Bourgneuf
47 2 28
15 38 21
3 35 36
I 56 24
4 21 39
Brest
48 22 55
13 9 10
I 6 25
4 25 35
6 50 50
Brouage
45 50 11
16 35 26
4 32 4'
59 19
3 24 34
Caen
49 II 10
17 18 13
5 15 28
16 32
2 4' 47
Calais
50 57 3'
19 30 56
2 z8 11
I 56 iiE.
29 4
Cancalle
48 40 40
15 43 15
3 45 30
I 46 30
4 " -45
Cannes
4J 32 58
24 41 14
12 38 29
7 6 29E.
4 41 14E.
Carentan
49 18 17
16 24 40
4 21 55
I 10 5
3 35 20
Cherbourg
49 38 26
16 1 49
3 59 4
I 32 56
3 58 I'
Collioure
42 31 45
20 45 2
8 42 17
3 10 17E.
45 2E.
Corbie
49 54 32
20 10 zS
8 7 43
2 35 43E.
10 28E.
Coutances
49 2 50
16 12 35
4 9 50
I 22 10
3 47 25
Croisic
47 «7 40
15 8 18
3 5 33
2 26 27
4 51 42
Dieppe
49 55 «7
18 44 12
6 41 27
I 9 27E.
I 15 48
Dinant
48 27 16
15 36 40
3 54 55
1 57 5
4 23 20
Dol
43 33 9
•5 53 48
3 5« 3
2 40 57
4 6 12
Dover
51 7 47
IS 58 57
6 56 12
I 24 12E.
1 I 3
Dunkirk
SI 2 4
19 57 37
7 54 52
2 22 52E.
2 23
E'taples
50 30 44
19 18 16
7 »5 31
I 43 3'E.
41 44
Eu
50 2 52
19 5 3
7 2 18
1 20 18E.
54 57
Evreux
48 1 24
18 48 39
6 45 54
I 13 S4E.
1 1 1 21
Fecamp
49 46
18 I 45
5 59
27 oE.
I 58 15
Fontarabia
43 23 20
■5 51 53
3 49 8
I 42 52
4 8 -^
Furnes
51 4 «7
20 19 38
8 16 53
2 44 53E.
16 38E
Granville
48 50 11
16 z S3
408
I 31 52
3 57 7
Gravelincs
50 59 4
«9 47 32
7 44 47
2 12 47E.
12 23
Guérande
47 «9 19
'5 '3 24
3 «o 39
I 21 21
4 4Û 36
L xiv 3
Harfleur
Havre de Grace
Hen n ebon
Hieres
Hoiifleur
La Ciotat
La Rochelle
Landiviseau
Le Crotoy
Les Sab. Olonne
L'Orient
Marseille
Montpellier
Montreuil
Nantes
Narbonne
Nice
Nieuport
Ostend
Painbeuf
Perpignan
Pontorson
Quimper
Quimperlai
Quintambert
Rochefort
Roueii
Rue
Sixfours
St. Brieuc
St, Jean de Luz
St. Malo
St. Martin de Ré
St. Michel
St. Pol de Leon
St. Quentin
St. Tropez
St. Vallery en Cau.x
St. Vallery
Toulon
Treguier
Vannes
d. m. ».
49 30 23
49 29 9
47 48 I
43
49
S
12
55
7 23
25 21
43 »° 30
49 9 21
48 30 40
50 12 53
46 29 50
47 44 34
43 '7 4*5
43 36 33
50 27 42
47 13 7
43 II '3
43 41 54
51 7 4'
51 17
47 17
42 41
48 33 18
47 58 24
47 51 53
47 39 33
45 56 10
49 26 23
50 16 19
43 6
48 31
43 23 15
43 33 59
45 12 18
48 38 II
48 40 55
49 50 51
43 16
49 52
50 II
43 7 .
48 46 45
47 39 14
/2
21
17
12
13
24
Longiiude
fiom Fcrro,
d, m. s.
17 51 27
17 45 57
14 22 23
23 48 II
•7 57 17
23 16 51
16 30 5
13 34 30
19 17 9
15 52 2
14 17 25
23 2 8
21 32 44
19 25 32
16 6 12
20 40 8
24 57 22
20 24 !;5
20 33
15 37
20 34
16 8
13 32
14 6
15 II
16 41
18 45 20
19 19 46
23 3° 47
14 56 43
15 59 28
15 37 38
16 18 1
16 8 33
13 39 39
19 3 37
24 19 20
18 21 10
19 17 6
23 36 35
14 24 50
14 S3 34
13
7
5
13
35
o
50
26
Long, from
the Liza'J.
d. m. 8.
5 +8 42
5 43 12
19 33
45 26
50
14
27 20
31
15
49
2
1 1
5
1 1
4
I
7
3
2
32
6
45
24
17
14 40
10 59 23
9
7
4
8
13
3
S
4
1
2
3
4
6
7
Ï I
2
3
3
4
4
7
12
6
7
II
z
z
29 59
22 47
3 27
37 23
14 37
22 10
30 23
34 22
20
28
31
5
29
3 15
9 5
38 41
42 35
17 I
28 2
58
43
53
56
34 53
15 16
5 48
36 54
o 52
16 35
i8 25
14 1 1
33 48
22 5
50 49
Long, from
Lcr.g. from
tondon.
yaris. ■
d. m. s.
d. m. s.
16 42E.
2 8 33
11 12E.
2 14 3
3 12 22
5 37 37
6 13 26E.
3 48 iiE.
18 32E.
2 6 43
s 42 6E.
3 16 siE.
I 4 40
? 29 5S
4 15
6 25 30
I 32 24E.
42 SI
I 42 43
4 7 58
3 17 20
5 42 35
5 27 23E.
3 2 8E.
3 57 59E-
I 32 44E.
I 50 472.
34 28
I 28 33
3 53 48
3 5 23E.
40 8E.
7 22 37E.
4 57 22E.
2 50 loE.
24 55E.
2 58 28E.
33 13E.
I 57 38
4 22 53
2 59 20E.
34 5E.
I 26 32
3 51 47
4 2 10
6 27 25
3 28 45
5 54
2 22 55
4 48 10
53 19^
3 18 34
I 10 35E.
I 14 40
I 45 lE.
40 14
5 56 2E.
3 30 47E.
2 38 2
5 3 17
I 35 17
4 32
I 56 7
4 22 22
1 16 44
3 41 59
I 26 12
3 51 27
3 55 <5
6 20 21
I 28 42E.
56 23
6 44 35 E.
4 19 20E.
4^1 25E.
I 38 50
I 42 iiE.
42 54
6 I 50E.
3 36 35E.
3 9 55
5 35 10
2 41 II
5 6 26
TJie most remarkable Places on account of the Importance of their Situations.
ISLANDS.
St. Marcoii
49 29 48
16 30 15
4 28 30
I 4 30
3 29 45
Pelée
49 40 22
16 4 47
422
I 29 58
3 55 13
Jersey
49 12 42
15 28 8
3 25 23
2 6 37
4 31 52
Chausey
48 52 28
15 59 10
3 46 25
I 45 35
4 10 50
De Grouais
47 38 4
14 12 23
2 9 38
3 22 22
5 47 37
Eelle-Isle
47 17 17
'4 33 45
2 31
3 1
5 2Û 15
NoTtnoustier
Bouin
D'Yeu
D'Aix
Madame
St. Marguerite
Latitude.
i. m. t,
47 o 2
46 58 30
46 42 23
46 015
4S 57 35
43 31 24
[xv]
Longitude
from Ferro.
d. m. s.
15 24 43
15 39 »8
15 19 14
16 28 55
16 32 59
24 43 22
Long, from
the Lizard.
d. m. s,
21 58
36 33
16 29
26 10
30 14
12 40 37
Long, froit»
London.
d. m. s.
10 2
55 27
'5 3«
5 5°
1 46
« 37E.
2
I
2
O
7
Long, front
d.
m. a.
4 35 17
4 20 42
4 40 46
3 31 S
3 27 I
4 43 22E.
FORTS AND TOWERS.
La Conchée
Le Pilier
Brescou
Gien
St. Nicholas
Houat
Hedic
Bouc
St. Genest
Planier
Des Embiez
48 41 2
47 2 29
43 «5 20
43 2 J9
49 55 H
47 23 29
47 20 43
43 23 40
43 22 13
43 ïi 58
43 4 43
13 36 30
15 17 40
21 6 48
23 48 14
18 42 59
14 41 58
14 47 10
22 39 23
22 19 28
22 54 8
33 27 19
3 33 45
I 58 15
4 23 30
3 H 55
2 17 5
4 42 20
9 4 3
3 31 19E.
I 6 48E
II 45 29
6 13 29E.
3 48 14E
6 40 14
I , 8 14E.
I 17 1
2 39 '3
2 42 47
5 18 2
2 44 25
2 47 35
S '2 50
10 36 38
5 4 3«E.
2 39 23E
10 16 43
4 44 43E.
2 19 28E
10 51 23
5 19 23E.
2 54 8E
1' 24 34
5 52 34E.
3 27 19E
LIGHT- HOUSE S.
Du Havre
49 31 9
'7 4' 57
S 39 12
0712
2 18 37
De l'AiUy
49 55 17
18 38 22
4 22 40
I ij 17
I 21 38
De Barfleur
49 4' 5°
16 23 25
4 21
III
3 36 15
De Frehel
48 41 3
15 20
3 17 ï5
2 >4 45
4 40
St. Mathew
48 19 52
'2 52 35
49 50
4 42 10
7 7 25
D'Ouessant
48 28 30
«2 35 27
32 42
4 59 '8
7 24 33
De Ré
46 14 48
16 s 32
4 2 47
I 29 13
3 54 28
D Oleron
46 2 50
16 14 47
4 12 2
1 19 58
3 45 13
Cordouan
45 35 -'5
16 29 22
4 26 37
I 5 23
3 30 38
Cette
43 23 51
21 22 7
9 19 22
3 47 22E.
1 22 7E
Aiguës Mortes
43 34 ^
21 SI 29
9 48 44
4 16 44E.
I 51 2qE
Ville Franche
43 40 27
25 25
12 57 40
7 25 40E.
5 25F
C xvi ]
TABLE shev-'ing- the Time of High Tides on the Coast and /" the Ports of
Flanders and France, at the New au d Full Moon. B' M. Bemdor,
Brigadier of Infantry, Knight of the Military Ord^r of St. Louis, and
Member of the Royal Academy of Sciences.
h. m.
Off the Banks of Flanders at sea 3 o
On the Coast ofF/i(«t/r7.snear,the shore 12 o
h. in. h. m.
Ostend 1 2 1 Dunkirk 1 1 45
Nieuport 12 o Gravelines ll 30
Along the Coast of Flanders, within the
Banks, from the Straits of Dover to the mouth
of the Scbcldc, the tide rises 18 feet, and only
J 5 off the said banks.
PICARDIE.
Penmark
Benaudet
ConcTrneau
Port Louis
Belle-Isle
L'Isle Grouais
Vannes
Au ray
Morbihan
Vilaine River
Calais
Ambleteusc
Boulogne
E tapies
h. m.
n 30
1 1 o
10 45
45
h, ni.
Entrance of the
River Somme îo 30
St. Vallery sur
Somme 10 4;
Along the const, from the Straits of i?ot'('r
to Cape de Caux the tide rises 18 feet,
NORMANDIE.
10
10
10
Tréport
Dieppe
St. Valéry
Caux
Fecamp
Mouth of the
River Seine 9
Havre de Grace 9
Honfleur 9
Quillcbeuf on
the Seine 10
Rouen i z
Caen and Dive 9
Estrehan 10
Isigny
h. m.
10 30
'5
o
o
o
o
30
'5
o
o
o
La Hogue 8
Off La Hogue 10
Port en Bessin 8
Barfleur 10
Cherbourg 7
Off Cherbourg !o
Capdel;iHaguei2
Alderney 9
In the Raz of
Alderney 1 2
Guernsey
Granvil'e
Mount St. Mi-
chel Sc Pon-
torson
m.
o
30
o
30
45
iS
50
30
45
30
o
30
AtG raiiviHe, Guernsey, y crscy,zndjlldcr-
}iey, the tide rises jroni 36 to 40 feet, and from
La Hague lo C:!pe de Caux it rises only 18.
BRETAGNE.
h.
of
Cancalle
St. Malo
The Road
La Frénaye
Isl s of Brchat
Treguier
Morlaix
■St. Pol de Leon
Isle de Bas
Porsal
OffUshant Is-
lands at sea
m.
o
4 30
11. m
In the Passage
«, to the Raz of Fon-
ienuy, m the Troise, and Passage du Four,
the tide rises «8 feet. In the Roads of Dou-
amenez, and of Bertbeaume, it rises 20 feel.
At the Isle de Bas it rises 25 feet. At the
Seven Isles it rises 30 feet. And at the Isles
of Brebat, St. Malo, and Cunealk, the tide
m.
o
30
o
15
'S
30
30
45
30
>5
45
POITOU.
On the Coast of Poitou
Beauvoir . _ .
L'Isle d'Yeu
Olonne . . -
L'Isle de Ré
ïix the Pertuis-Breton
la the Pertuis d'Aiitioche
La Rochelle
Chapus
Rochefort
Brouage
The tide rises 15 feet zt I a Rochelle, in
the Roads of the Isle of Ré, and Chef du
Bois, as also on all the coast of Poitou.
GASCON Y AND GUIENNE.
On alltlie Coa.st of Gascony Sc Guicnne
At the entrance of tlic Garonne, to the
north of the Tower of Cardouan
Royan, on the Garonne
South of the Tower of Cordouan
Bourdeaux
In the Bassin d'Arcasson
Memissaa
Bayonne
St. Jean de Luz
On all the north Coast of Spain
In fdl the Ports and Harbours of the
same Coast
The tide rises 1 5 feet at Bourdeaux and
Bayonne, and on the whole Coast of Gascony
and Guienne,
3
4
30
3'
45
3
45
7
«5
3
45
3
15
3
45
3
15
3
3 45
LE PETIT
NEPTUNE FRANÇAIS.
CHAP. I.
Directions for sailing on the Coast of Flanders between Ostend
and Calais.
OSTEND.
1 o sail into Ostend, you must run close to the eastward of the town, by
the beacon on the east point, where you will have deep water into the har-
bour called the Gueule. From the west of the town runs a flat, which must
be avoided a ship's length or two.
The tide rises in tlje mouth of this harbour 16 feet, and has 6 feet at low
ivater. Between the Jetties is good anchorage for ships of great burden to
Jloat in at low water.
The shore of Flanders is full of sand-hills and hummocks. St. Cathe-
rine's is half a league to the southward of Ostend. Middlekercke is a high
flat steeple, and lies two leagues S W by S from Ostend, and near two
leagues N Eby N from Nieuport, which has two steeples ; one is a flat tower,
and the other has a spire. The Lady of Lombaerdzyde, a high flat steeple,
lies a little to the northward of Nieuport,
NIEUPORT.
Before the mouth of this harbour is a bank, which extends from east to
west one league ; it is dry at half flood, and has no more than 8 feet water
at high tides.
'o
To enter Nieuport, you must sail in from the westward to the southward
of the said bank, between that and the land, until the innermo.^t beacon comes
even through, or to the eastward of the outermost, and then run in the mid
B
[ - ]
channel right hv them, between the two heads (between the bank and the
land the ground shoals gradually) on the north side of the bank is 3 fathoms
close to it. Within the mouth of the harbour there are buoys on both sides
of the channels, between which you are to steer until you come before the
town, which is about a cannon-shot from the sea.
This harbour is dry at loxv water, and rises i^feet in common tides.
From Nieuport to Dunkirk is near five leagues. In sailing from Nieu-
port to Dunkirk, along the shore between the banks, the ground is clean, and
has 15 feet at low water ; it is deeper near the shore, opposite the Abbey of
the Down.s and between it and Broers bank, thwart of which being the nar-
rowest channel, you must keep close along shore.
DUNKIRK.
The road of Dunkirk lies at the distance of 2 miles and a half from the
town, behind the Brack, a sand-bank which extends parallel to the shore,
6 miles east and west, and shelters ships from a N W, north, and N E wind
in 2 fathoms, at low water, shoaling gradually to the shore : the depth upon
this bank being only 4 feet, at low water, it cannot be got over but at flood
time. In the Road you may anchor, to the east of Dunkirk, almost close to
the Jetties, in 9, or 10 fathoms very good holding ground, being clay mixed
with sand ; and to the west, in 6, 7, or 8 fathoms water.
Directions for sailing in through the West Channel.
As soon as you have brought Gravelines steeple S by W, you come
abreast of the Wilbraert orWilbert Sand-head, between which and the Bree
or Broad Bank is a wide channel ; the Wilbraert Sand is gradual to, and
has no less than 3 and a half fathoms on the west end of it, at low water,
and so has the Breebank on the west end, but is steeper to; between the
westernmost part of these two sands, you may either steer in, or turn by your
lead, till you come to bring Gravelines steeple to touch the Sand-hill in
Gravelines-road, which you must not shut in till you open Mardick
Tower to the eastward of Berg steeples, in order to shun the Splinter, which
is steep to, and has no more than 6 or 8 feet on it at low water. If you
have a leading wind, as soon as you have opened Berg to the eastward of
[ 3 ]
Mardick Tower, or brought Mardick Tower on the west Pier-head, you
may haul in directly for Mardick Pier-heads, till you have sliot within the
Brack, which you will know either by deepening your water, or by bringing
La Fernouk steeple between the west Battery and the Risban ; then you
may steer into what part of the Road you please by your lead.
To sail into Dunkirk Harbour, you must bring the innermost beacon a
handspike's length to the eastward of the outermost ; and steer in that direc-
tion close to the east beacon, till you get into the channel between the two
Jetties, which will carry you safe into the Harbour.
The tide rises here 12 feet.
BUOYS in the Dunkirk Road.
In the month of August, 1776, the Board of Admiralty of Dunkirk gave
the following notice to navigators, viz.
" In consideration of the advantages which navigation has reaped from the
Four Buoys placed to the west of the Road of Dunkirk, according to the
general information given in 1771, which gave notice that navigators in en-
tering the Road through the west Channel, would meet with the First Black
Buoy on the east point of the bank, called the Geere, at the entrance of the
Road, which they are to leave on the starboard side.
" A Second Buoy, likewise Black, at the point of the bank, named Snau,
or Splinter, opposite to Great Mardick, which they leave also on the star-
board side.
" A Third Buoy, White, at the west point of the bank Brack, which they
are to leave on the starboard side.
" And a Fourth Buoy, Black, at the point of the Plateau (or flat) of
Mardick ; that is to say, at the most advanced point of the strand, opposite
the Channel of Mardick, which they are to leave on the starboard side.
" Navigators will therefore observe, that the Three Black Buoys above
mentioned are on the land-side, and the White one in the offing.
" It has been resolved by the officers of the admiralty established for Flan-
ders at Dunkirk aforesaid, with the advice of the deputies of the pilotage, to or-
der two more Buoys to be laid at the east Channel, to point out its entrance.
B2
[ 4 ]
" Vessels coming from the northward, and intending to enter the east
Channel or passage, will find on the north point of the bank, named Trapegeer,
or Cam's Bank, a Black Buoy, which they are to leave on the larboard side.
" And on the east point of the bank named the Heist, which is a continua-
tion of the Brack, they will find a White Buoy, which they are. to leave on
the starboard side."
For sailing out of Dv^ KIRK Road through the Eastern Channel.
You may sail along shore by your lead, borrowing chiefly on the main,
because the Brack is steeper to than the shore, till you bring Berg steeples
within half a ship's length to the westward of Zudcote steeple; and keep-
ing them so, you are to sail out direcdy between the tail of the Brack and
the Cams, where you will have no less than 5 or 6 fathoms at low water; but
as soon as you deepen your water to g, 10, or 1 1 fathoms, you are then got
into the eastern Channel, and arc to haul up E by S, or more southerly, till
you shoal your water to 7 fathoms ; and so keep borrowing on the Cams or
Broers in 7 fathoms, or steering out into the Channel into 11 fathoms, you
will find an E by N course will carry you all the way to Nieuport.
The reason for borrowing on the sands next the shore is, because they are
very gradual, and more to be depended on than the north side of the Channel.
From Dunkirk to Gravelines is above three leagues, between which appears
the little sharp spire of Little Seinte, a thick flat steeple of Great Seinte,
and the high sharp steeple of St. George's.
GRAVELINES.
Gravelines has a tall spiry steeple, and is easily known by two mills, one
at the west end of the town, and the other at the east end: as you come from
the sea the town appears like an island; the land 'is low and full of hum-
mocks, and a little to the eastward of it stands an old monastery.
This harbour being dry at low water, must always be entered at high tide.
There are two beacons, which you bring on in a line, and then you may' sail
in between the Jetties.
When you come from Dunkirk, take care to avoid a reef of sand, which
C 5 ]
lies a good way off: on the west side runs a reef, which you take care also
to keep clear of. You may sail along the flat that runs at some distance
from the shore, almost as far as Calais, called Nieuland, or cross it in 3, 4,
or 5 fathoms water.
From Gravelines to Calais is above three leagues, between which are seen
the two flat steeples of Hooghenprysc and Dasen ; and the flat church of Wal-
dam, with a litde spire in the middle of it.
CALAIS.
In sailing into this port, you must keep the mill at the east end of the
town right over the eastern Jetty head, and so run in close by it, keeping
the citadel to the west. You must avoid the little reef that runs from the
head of the western Jetty. \\^hen you are between the Jetties, steer to the
westward for Paradise, where you will lie dry at low water.
Though this port is dry at low water, it is not safe to enter, because of the
strong flood tides, and on account of the anchors of ships, till it is almost high
tide, when there is but three fathoms of water. This port is dangerous with
a northerly wind.
A Description of the Banks o/' Flanders.
OUTERBANK.
Outerbank is two and a half leagues from Ostend, and has about 15 or
16 feet water. When St. Catherine's steeple is on a line with Ostend, then
you are on this bank.
Between this and Ostend there are two other banks, on which you have
3 fathoms.
G E E R E.
Off the coast of Ostend to Nieuport are four banks, that begin off Ostend ;
the first and nearest the land is called the Geere, between which and the
land is a channel, wherein is 8, 9, and 10 fathoms water.
ce]
L A L A N D.
The second is called Laland, and ends against Nieuport; in the channel
between this bank and the Geere is 8 and 9 fathoms water.
ST ROOM and STONEBANK,
Which is the third, is divided into two by a small channel, the east part of
which is called Stroom, and the west part, ending athwart of Dunkirk, is called
the Stonebank, which hath on the east side a hook that stretches off in a point
towards Nieuport. Upon this bank is 3 or 4 fathoms water, and on the
eastern part 5 or 6 fathoms.
SANDELEandCALBANK.
The fourth is also divided into two banks, the eastern named Sandele, and
the western Calbank.
Those that sail on this coast, run without the banks till they come against
Broad or Breebank, and then run in along by it, in 5 or 6 fathoms. In the
channel is 15 fathoms water, and every one of these four banks has a dry
Polder.
When the two flat steeples, that are to the southward of Nieuport, are a
handspike's length asunder, then you are athwart these banks, which have
no more than 1 fathom at low water, and are almost dry in spring tides.
You may anchor between these banks in 9, 10, 11, or 12 fathoms, and at
high tides may run over them in 4 fathoms ; but when you are to the west-
ward of them, you will find 8, g, and 10 fathoms.
BROERSBANK.
The Broers Bank is three-cornered, and lies close to the land off Broers
and the Abbey of the Downs, extending from the shore about WNW
one league. When the Abbey bears south, your are at the innermost part
of this bank, in 4 fathoms at low water: but those who sail between these
banks, commonly pass to the westward of this bank.
[ 7 ]
CAM'S BANK.
Cam's Bank lies to the westward of BroerSj on which is 3 fathoms water.
You may sail between this bank and the land, in 8, 9, or 10 fathoms, and
may anchor there for all winds. By the land, between this and Broers Bank,
is 5 fathoms.
SPLINTER.
From the west of Dunkirk runs another bank, called the Splinter, which
is dry in many places at low water.
WILBRAERT, or W ILBERT.
From the west of Dunkirk runs the bank called Wilbraert, on which
you will have 10, 11, and 12 fathoms water. When Bourbourg steeple is
in the valley of the Sand-hill, you are then athwart this bank. By these
marks you may sail from Dunkirk through these banks, N N W to the sea.
Off the coast, between Dunkirk and Gravelines, lie five long banks.
When Gravelines is S E from you, then you are athwart the south end of
them ; and when Nieuport is likewise to the S E, then you are athwart of the
north end of them. The channels between them have from 8 to 20 fathoms
water.
CLIFF.
The outermost and western bank, called the Cliff, bears about N E from
Calais above 7 leagues, on which there is 3 and a half fathoms.
RUTTEINGE.
The second, called the Rutteinge, bears N E from Calais Cliff 7 and a half
leagues, and has from 5 to 6 fathoms water ; but on the south end of it is a
Polder of a fathom. When the south end of Berg is brought between the two
flat steeples to the west of Dunkirk, then you are athwart of this Polder.
To the east of Dunkirk are three or four mills ; when the outermost is in
a line with the east end of the town, it is a good mark for this Polder ; then
the steeple of Dunkirk will be 5 leagues S E.
C 8 ]
The DYKE.
The third bank is called the Dyke, which bears from Calais Cliff N E by E,
and has 4 or 5 fathoms. On the ends of this bank are two Polders ; that
at the south end is 1 fathom deep, and lies upon the marks of Berg about
N W, somewhat westerly from Dunkirk; it is called the Polder of the Dyke,
or Dyke-Polder; the other is about 4 and a half fathoms deep, and lies N W
from the Abbey of the Downs.
These banks are very dangerous ; chiefly the Rutteinge, which lies almost
in the mid-way, having at low tide no more than 2 fathoms water.
KETTEL BANK.
The fourth bank is called Keitell Bank ; it bears from Calais Cliff N E by E,
and has 4, 5, and 6 fathoms at low water. On the south end is a Polder of
one fathom at low water, which is dry at spring tides In the channel be-
tween this and the Broad Bank are 19 and 20 fathoms water.
BROAD or B REE BANK.
The fifth is the Broad Bank, or Bree, which bears E N E from Calais
Cliff. Towards the south end it has 3 or 4 fathoms, and a Polder of only 1
and a half fathom ; at the north end the depth is from 6 to 8 fathoms water ;
this bank extends six leagues, till Nieuport be S E from you, and the Ab-
bey of the Downs almost south, distant 2 leagues.
The Tides and Currents.
Along the coast of Flanders, on the land, a south and north moon makes
high tides.
In the sea, off the Banks, and in the middle of the Straits between Dover
and Calais, a S W moon makes high tides.
At Dover and the North Foreland, a south and north moon.
In the Downs, a S S W moon.
Along the Banks, the first of the flood sets over them towards the land ;
[93
about one third of tlic tide sets along the shore ; but the after-flood sets
directly to the north, in the middle of the sea. When the (lood begins to
go thwart the banks off at sea, then it is half-flood at land ; so that you may
go into any of the harbours on this coast with 5 or 6 feet water.
In the middle, between Dover and Calais, the flood sets N E by E, and
the ebb S W by W.
SOUNDINGS,
Between Dover and Calais.
A little without the banks of Flanders, 18, 19, and 20 fathoms; but
about North Foreland, 26, 28 ; and near the Goodwin Sands, which is the
deepest, 30 fathoms.
When from the poop in 16 fathoms you can see the coast of Flanders, then
you are within the banks of Flanders.
You may in 24 fathoms see Calais Cliff and the South Foreland.
COURSES and DISTANCES.
From Ostend to Nieuport, S W by S 4 leagues.
From Nieuport to Dunkirk, W S W 5 leagues.
From Dunkirk to Gravelines, W S W 3 leagues.
From Gravelines to Calais, W S W 3^ leagues.
From Calais to Calais Cliff, S W by W 1 league.
From Calais to Dover, W N W 7 leagues.
C »o ]
CHAP. II.
Directions for sailing on the Coast oJ France in the Channel.
The cape of Calais, by the Dutch called Calais Cliff, is a very white cliff,
on that account named, by the French, Blanc Nez.* It is a pretty high
land, which appears 6 or 7 leagues off: its distance from the South Foreland,
which also makes the south entrance of the Downs, is about 7 leagues to the
N W. The passage between these two heads of land is called the Straits of
Dover, or Pas de Calais ;t and the depths of the channel between them are
from 18 and 20 to 24 fathoms. Along the French coast, at a league's dis-
tance from land, you find 18 or 19 fathoms water, and in the middle of the
channel 23 or 24 fathoms ; but towards the English coast it grows shallower.
* From the word Nez, a nose, as well as Ness in English, in the words Sheerness, Foul-
ness, &c. signifies a point or head of land, projecting or running out into the water; hence
Blanc Nez is in English literally Whiteness.
f The width of this channel is not much above 18 sea miles, but from the South Fore-
land to Calais there are about 22, and from Dover to Calais, about ji. The run from
Dover to Calais is shorter than that from Calais to Dover, because, in the first case, the tide
is always more favourable.
The distance between Calais and tiie castle of Dover has been geometrically ascertained in
1681, by Messrs. Picart and La Hire, two astronomers of the royal academy of sciences.
In the morning of the 20th of November, when the sea was very low, they measured upon
the strand of the harbour of Calais, a line, drawn from the point of the bastion of the Risbank
next the sea towards Boulogne, of 10,000 French toises. Having placed a quadrant at the
point of this bastion, and observed the angle which the measured basis made with the
intermediate point between the two most visible towers of Dover castle, they found it to be
37° 58. Then removing the instrument to the other extremity of the base-line towards
Boulogne, they measured the other angle, and found it to be 137° 30'; whence they con-
cluded that tiie vertical angle at the castle of Dover must be 4° 32', and consequently the
distance between the point of the above-mentioned bastion of the Risbank of Calais and the
castle of Dover, equal to 21,363 French toiscs. Now the English statute mile being equal
to 826 toises, this distance will be above 24. and a half statute miles, end very near 21 and
a half nautic miles, supposing the degree of a great circle to contain 57,060 toises.
Il I
..r tiu- cJ
1 i M III,- l-t'V,it
.f//H,n.( /,„rr tir fiirial^
."•: ». !? s'-iftiu-;
frqi'Ji
I ù) 0^.
^^.
"'^-^
The tides in this strait set NE bv E, and S IF by IV ; the flood sets
towards N E, and E N E ; and the ebb S W, and W S IF.
The bottom, in this sea, consists of a fine sand. Wiihin pistol-shot of
Blanc Ncz are rocks under water, which ought to be carefully avoided.
From Blanc Nez to Cape Grisnez, by the Dutch called Stuart Ness, the
course lies N E and S W, near 2 leagues, the land between being pretty
high and mountainous. A little south of Grisnez stands a mill with some
houses, and all that country, down to the sea-shore, appears black, white,
and grey, with several rocks along the coast. Between Blanc Nez and
Grisnez you may cast anchor, and wait for the tide when the wind is con-
trary, for the ground is very good every where; the best anchorage is to the
N W of Wissan, near the Anclin Bank, from 4 to 15 fathoms.
The tides set N E one quarter E, and S IF one quarter IF.
CALBARDE or RIPRAPS.
West from Cape Grisnez you meet with the N E point of Calbarde ; it
is a narrow bank of sand and large flints, which lies in length about E N E
and a half N, and S W by S near 4 leagues, and not much above a mile in
breaddi : the N E end is the shoalest, having but 15 feet on it at low water
spring tides, and 22 or 23 fathoms on either side. On the S W end you
have 3 or 4 fathoms. The Calbarde bears from Dover castle S S E about
4 leagues ; from Folkstone S E 4 and a half leagues ; and from Cape Blanc
Nez, or Calais Cliff, west about 3 leagues ; its south end bears from Diuige
Ness E S E nearly, about 6 leagues.
It flows at the Calbarde NE and S W ; the tide runs to the eastward
till 3 o'clock, at full and change, when it is half-ebb by the ground.
St. JOHN'S ROAD.
From Cape Grisnez to Ambleteuse the coast extends north and south
i^ league, and is very foul throughout, the rocks not permitting any
anchorage, and the ground being very unfit for that purpose; butin the
cove, or litde bay, before Ambleteuse, is a very good riding, which is called
St. John's Road. Here a vessel finds shelter from the winds that blow from
C 2
the N E as far as to the S S E. But when they come about to the south,
and thence as far as the north and N W, the Road becomes then very bad,
the sea being very rough, and no shelter near. There is a small river above
Ambleteuse, but it serves only for fishing-boats.
The anchorage in St. John's Road is from 9 to 15 fathoms. Take care
to keep in view the tower of Ambleteuse through the middle of the houses,
and not to approach too near the land, because of some rocks which are about
a large cable's length distant from the shore.
BOULOGNE.
From St. John's Road to Boulogne the coast runs two small leagues south ;
on the north point of Boulogne is a very massy tower, called Tour d'Ordre;
between this tower and St. John's Road are several rocks under water, at
the distance of two or three cables length from the land, which are to be
carefully avoided. The harbour of Boulogne is dry at low water, and almost
barred by a sand-bank, which lies N E and S W Over the N E end there
is a buoy, and at the S W extreme a mast is erected, having a lanthorn on
its top. This bank may be passed on two sides, that is, by the north and
by the south, in 2^ or 3 fathoms water. When you pass by the south,
you must be careful to avoid the southern point of the entrance of the
harbour, because you meet there with the point of a rock which projects
into the sea.
The tides in Ibis port arc S SE and N N W- the flood running north and
N N E, and the ebb south and S W.
E T A P L E S.
From Boulogne to the Canche, or river of Etaples, the coast runs 4^^
leagues southward ; the land between them is very high, and appears
white from the sea. The river of Etaples is dry every tide, and has many
banks at its entrance, most of which are so shitting that diey cannot be ex-
actly described ; besides the river will admit only some small bilanders,
which pass up as far as Montrcuil. The town of Etaples is situated on the
north side of the river.
^
'i H '^ !
^
[13]
The tides in this river are SS E and N NIF, and it is high water at 30
min. past 10 o'clock, on the full and new moon. The ûrst fiood bears to-
wards the land, the remainder NE, and the ebb to the contrary.
RIVER SOMME.
From Etaples to the river Somme the coast runs near 6 leagues southward.
This river is capable of vessels of a moderate size, but its entrance is very
difficult, because of a sand bank, which lies just before its mouth, and
bars it. The bank extends at least ^ of a league into the sea, which,
with its situation before observed, renders the river of difficult access.
It has, however, two passages, one to the north, along the northern shore,
and the other to the south, along the southern shore.
In order to pass by the north you must approach the land, and take no-
tice of a buoy which is at the head of the bank ; when you have passed that
buoy, you steer on to St. Valéry, which lies on the south coast of the river,
and keep so till you approach nigh the southern shore. At the north point
of the entrance, along the shore, are also some small Sands, which extend a
litde way; wherefore you must often have recourse to your lead, and if you
can procure a pilot it will be safer, for the channels of this river are subject
to change, and cannot be described with precision, besides in the river itself
are many banks of quicksands extremely variable.
Coming from the west, with a design to enter the river Somme, you must
keep a cable's length within the point, or headland of the river, and steer
thus till you can perceive the first buoy, then you shape your course by the
buoys, which are three or four in number, leaving them all on the starboard
side, that is to say, on your land side ; and when you are come within the
buoys, and the south point of the entrance of the river, you must then
push eastward in the stream till you are got a little forward, after which you
steer by 'St. Valéry, along the south coast. Within the river are many
beacons, by which you know the channel that goes to St. Valéry.
AU along the coast from Etaples to the river Somme, the bottom is very
level ; for you find but 7, 8, and g fathoms water, sandy ground 2 leagues
from the land.
[M]
TJje tides here are S S E and N N ÎV ; the first flood sets upon the land
about two hours, the remainder north and NNE; the ebbs arc quite the contrary.
TRÉPORT.
From the river Somme to Tréport the coast runs a little above 4 leagues
S W, the country between being all sandy downs, and the land of a moderate
height. At Tréport is the small river Bresle, but litde frequented, except
by coasters of the same place ; it is only capable of small barks ; and on
both its sides are points of sand that run \ a league into the sea, which is
there continually rolling, so that the entrance is narrow, and very difficult.
The tides are here as at the river Somme, and it is high -water when the
moon is in the S S E or N N IV.
From Tréport as far as Dieppe the coast runs S W quarter W near
5 leagues, the land almost nothing but white cliffs. In sailing along you
have 6, 8, 9, and 10 fathoms water, sand and marl, within 5 or 6 miles of the
shore, and from 16 to 18 farther off, except upon the Basse Hurel, where
you find only 3 and 5 fathoms ; this is a bank, about 7 miles from the mouth of
the river Somme, lying N E and S W, 12 miles in lengdi, and only 2 in
breadth. About 4 miles to the westward of Tréport, and above 2 from the
shore, there is a small ledge of sunken rocks, 7 or 8 feet under water, which
you must avoid.
Along this coast it is high water at 30 min. past 10 o'clock; the flood
along the coast is to the N E, and the ebb to the contrary point.
DIEPPE.
Dieppe is situated in the bottom of a valley between the cliffs, whence it
took is name from the Celtic word diep, which has the signification with deep
in English. Coming from the sea, you descry two high steeples with a large
castle which stands W S W of the town near the sea-shore. On the N E
side is the suburb du Paulet, and two stone Jetties, which make the entrance
of the harbour. This harbour is dry at low water, and its entrance is very
difficult, because of the great current both inward and outward. As soon
as, and even before, you have cast anchor in the Road of Dieppe, you are
[ ^5 ]
visited by pilots, and those on the land make you a signal to enter when it
is high water; for if you stay till it ebbs, the entrance will be impossible, on
account of the strong current outwards ; wherefore you are to drop your an-
chor as soon as you see the signal made from the shore. After entering the har-
bour you moor to the key, where there is very good shelter from all winds.
The Road of Dieppe is to the west of the town, under a small church on
the cliff, called St. Nicholas de Cotecote, whose steeple is remarkable, as
there is no other to be seen on that cliH". The bottom of the Road is very
good, and your anchors never drive, whatever wind blows : you are sheltered
there against winds from S W to S E ; but when it blows from the W N W,
or N N E, the swell is great and violent. The anchorage is in 7 or 9 fathoms
water.
// is high tides in the road as well as the harbour , at 30 minutes past 10
o'clock; or viben the moon is in the S SE. Thefiood runs NE, and the
ebb S IV, and IF S W along the shore.
Cape Lailly and its Light-House.
Two leagues and a half* west from Dieppe is Cape Lailly, upon which the
Chamber of Commerce, established at Rouen, has caused to be erected a
Light-house, which was lighted, for the first time, on the first day of Novem-
ber, 1775.
" This Light-house is situated 80 fathoms from the edge of the cliff, facing
the rock named La Galère, which is the most considerable of those marked
on the coast, under the denomination of the Rocks of Lailly. It is on the top
of the cliff facing the rocks that the tower is built, which may be seen by a
boat, when at the entrance of the two Jetties of the port of Dieppe. The
whole height of the Light-house, measuring from the ground, is 56 feet ; that,
of the lanthorn 15 feet."
From the Light-house to St. Vallery the coast runs W by S 3 leagues : in
sailing along you must keep a little void of the shore, to avoid the above-
mentioned Rocks of Lailly, which lie off the land almost ^ a league. Be-
* According to the instruction of the Chamber of Commerce ; but the large survey of
France makes that distance scarcely i 1 league.
[ i6]
tween the two places the shore is bound by a high white clifF, which has two
openings, with two villages, the first called Pourville, and the other Veulles,
both chiefly inhabited by fishermen. St. Vallerylies ina third opening west-
ward.
St. V A L L E R Y en C A U X.
St. Vallery lies in the third bottom, and is a small port, which is dry at low
tide. It admits none but small vessels, and is little frequented by strangers.
Those who desire to enter it must have the assistance of a pilot, because of
the great difficulty.
The tides are S SE, and NN IF.
From St. Vallery to Fecamp the coast runs W S W near five leagues, the
shore all white cliffs, on the top of which you see several woods of lofty trees
with number? of steeples and houses: you find, however, within this space,
three vailles near each other, whence that quarter is called the Three Vai-
lles, though they extend not quite to the sea.
F É C A M P, or F E C A N.
Fecamp stands in a broad valley, and is easily known by the church of
stone to the N E, called Notre Dame des Bois, on the edge of the shore.
Its harbour is dry at low water, and filled up with pebbles and flints, whence
it will admit of none but small vessels. When you enter it you pass near a
small wooden jetty, to the N E of it, called by the inhabitants Cafagnet.
The mouth of the harbour lies almost N W and S E,-and its access is pretty
easy, except when it blows fresh from the west. ,
There are two Roads before Fecamp, the great and the little : the Great
Road lies over against Criquebeuf above 2 miles off: ships lie there sheltered
from all winds from S E to S W in 16 fathoms at high water, and 13 at low
tide, on a red clay ground mixed with sand, which secures the anchors so
that they cannot drive. The Little Road, opposite to the west side of the
harbour, has from lo to 7 fathoms water according to the tide.
The moon when in the S SE, or N NW, makes there high tide.
From Ficamp to Cape de Caux, called also Cape Antifer, the coast runs
S W by W, 3 leagues, all white cliffs, steep, and very high. To the north
J'utluhrd by I)' Fadm . tJuuinii 6vm. I'/t ""i^ijAif
r
C 17 ]
of the cape are the rocks called Les Eguilles (the Needles) d'Etretat : they lie
near the shore S W half W, and N E half E, one league from each other ; the
northernmost, or L'Eguille de Bellerat, and the southernmost, called Eguille
d'Etretat, are two high rocks, white and sharp pointed ; the middlemost,
which is named Roche d'Etretat, is covered at high water.
The tides for the ivbole length of this coast,/? om Trcport to Cape la Hevc,
are N N n^, and S SE.
From Cape de Caux to the south pitch of Cape la Heve or Cape de Seine
(Seine head), the course lies S S W, 4 leagues; the shore is still of white,
and very steep cliflFs, which the inhabitants cannot descend but by narrow
paths very shelving: and though there be some small vallies, they reach not
to the sea. All along this coast, from Treport to Cape de Seine, 2 or 3
leagues from the shore, you commonly have from 13 to 17, 18, and 20 fa-
thoms water, sandy ground, with marl or chalk ; the depth lessens as you
approach the land, and increases as you remove from it.
About one mile to the S W of La Heve is the small ledge of rocks, called
L'Eclat, on which there is not above 7 or 8 feet in ordinary tides.
LIGHT-HOUSES of CAPE LA HEVE.
On Cape la Heve two Light-houses have been erected in 1775, by the
Chamber of Commerce, already mentioned.
" It has been thought necessary, says their instruction, to distinguish this
cape by two towers, and to place them in such a manner, that they cannot be
seen in a line by any ships coming from the north, N W, and west, in order,
that in coming from the offing, there may be no position in which these
towers can be mistaken for those of Barfleur, or Cape Lailly, which are single.
" The tower nearest to Havre, which is the southernmost, is placed 50 fa-
thoms from the edge of the cliff; the other bears N 41° E by compass, or N 20°
E, corrected course, distant 50 fathoms from the first ; so that their respective
direction is such, that if you draw a right line from the centre of the first to the
centre of the second ; and from the centre of the first another right line to-
wards the north, the angle formed by these two lines, the point of which
will be in the centre of the first tower, will be N 41° E by compass, or N 20"
E, corrected course.
D
[ i8]
" It follows from this position, that ships making for the month of the river
Seine, or for Havre, will see the tower in a line only from one point, which
it is very hazardous to attempt before half flood, especially when near the
coast, considering the dangers which encompass the little Road of Havre.
" These towers are built with free-stone ; they are placed on a level, and
are of equal height. The bodies of the light-houses, measuring from the
surface of the ground, are 56 feet high; and the lanthorns 15 feet high.
Directions /or the ROADS 0/ HAVRE, by Mons. De Gaulle,
Professor of Hydrography, 1776.
There are two roads for ships before the mouth of the river Seine, called
the Great and Little Road of Havre. The Great Road is 2 good leagues
from the harbour, lies W S W from Cape la Heve, and extends a whole
league from north to south. In the year 1690 the whole French fleet lay
at anchor there for several days. The Little Road is but ^ a league from
the harbour, and lies S S E from Cape la Heve ; it is of a square form, ex-
tending about ^ of a league every way.
" A ship of great draught of water which should be obliged to lie some days
at anchor off Havre, to wait for a high tide, must prefer the Great Road to the
Little Road. These two Roads are separated from each other by banks
which are called Les Hauts de la Rade (the high grounds of the road) and
L'Eclat. The Little Road is between these banks and the land ; and the
Great Road without the said banks.
" To lie in the best anchoring place, you must be to the W N W of La
Heve, a large league, and keep the Castle of Orcher (which is seen on the
ed^e of a steep shore, to the eastward of Havre 3 leagues) a little open of
the coast of Ingouville, which is to the northward of Havre; then you an-
chor on oozy ground, from 10 to 14 fathoms, according as it is high or low
water ; in case of bad weather, you may lie on two anchors S S E and N N
W. The two first hours of the flood the current sets to the south, then two
hours to the S E, one hour to the east, and the remainder of the tide from
N E to N W.
" If at low water a ship was obliged to go into the Little Road of Havre,
cither to wait for the tide, or for a pilot to carry her into the river, she must.
G
C 19]
if the winds permit, sail between La Heve and L'Eclat (which, as said before,
lies one mile S W of La Heve) keeping the Guard-house which stands on
the jetty of Havre in one with the Chapel (called Notre Dame de Grace)
that is seen a little to the westward of Honfleur, and you are to steer in that
direction till the north of La Heve is shut by La Heve itself; then you pro-
ceed to the southward, till you come half way between La Heve and Havre,
■when you anchor in 3 or 4 fathoms at low water. The bottom of this road
is all pebbles and oysters, laid on clay ground, which make the hold very
good ; but you risk to have your cables cut in a very litde time, and on that
account ships moor there only for one tide.
" If it should happen that the winds from south to S W should not per-
mit to go by the land side of L'Eclat, you might sail to the southward of it,
keeping the Castle of Orcher in one with the two Towers of the gate of In-
gouville, which you see joining with the town in the north part of it; and
you should steer, with those marks on, till the north of La Heve is shut as
above : then you come to the anchoring ground in the Little Road. You
may even anchor in this channel, where there is not less than 4 fathoms at
low water. These cautions are only necessary at low tide, for when two-
thirds of the flood are run, you may pass every where without danger. But
ships seldom come into the road of Havre without a coast pilot on board;
pilots go generally as far as Barfleur, and farther, to meet them."
A celebrated French author, Belidor, in his Architecture Hydraulique,
makes the following remarks upon the Roads of Havre : " The anchors can-
not withstand there the violence of the currents, nor the high winds which
commonly blow about the new and full moons ; so that the ships which
happen to be then in these Roads, are in great danger of being lost at the
mouth of the Seine, or driven against the coast, from the difficulty of getting
into the harbour."
LE HAVRE DE GRACE, or the HAVRE.
About 1 league S E |- E from the south pitch of Cape la Heve lies the
town of Havre ; the land between is low and full of windmills, which are
without the town.
Le Havre de Grace, called by us, for shortness sake, Havre, is the sea-
D2
[20]
port of Paris, lying at the mouth of the river Seine, on which the French
metropolis is built. It stands upon a plain spot of ground, gained out of
the sea, which seems to be gradually giving way on this shore, and its har-
bour being entirely the work of art, requires continual industry to be kept
in proper order. This lies within the walls of the town E N E and W S W,
and can contain about 300 vessels at once; but the French are to enlarge it,
as well as the town, at the expence of the citadel ; in the spring tides
the water rises 20 feet within it ; the entrance is formed of two jetties of
stone, the longest of which is towards the west side.
The harbour of Havre has a peculiar advantage, not only over the other
sea-ports of Normandy, but over those of the whole kingdom ; it is, that the
■water in it does not begin to ebb, at least sensibly, till 3 hours after full
tide, insomuch that fleets of 120 sail have often been observed to sail out of
it in one tide, even with the wind against them. The cause of this un-
common effect is generally ascribed to the Seine, whose current, crossing the
mouth of the harbour, comes down with such force as soon as the sea begins
to retire, that it confines the water in the harbour till it has spent its strength,
which it does not generally in a shorter space of time than just now mentioned.
To enter the port, a pilot is required ; and there are always some attending,
in their sloops, for that purpose, except in rough weather when they cannot
come off; but in this case they go to the north end of the harbour, and make
you a signal. With this assistance you may very well enter the port, taking
care to keep it always open, or in fall view, so as to discover all the ships
within, as they appear between the two towers. In this manner you must
steer till you are entered. Observe to pass closer by the great tower on
your larboard hand, than by the little tower on the starboard side.
The tides Jioiv N N TF and S SE.
RONFLEUR.
From Havre to Honfleur, which lies on the other side of the Seine, the
course is 2 leagues S E; but there are several sand-banks between
them, some of which are shifting. The most noted is Amfar, which is
dry every tide ; it lies about j league S ^ E and S S E from Havre.
The others are nearer the south coast, and the most remarkable, which
[2: ]
lies i|- league W 5- N from Honfleur, is called Ratier, and dries also
at every tide; you meet with several others along the coast, as you go
towards the little river of Touque, which are dry as the rest. There is a pas-
sage between those banks and the land, and between them and Amfar ; but
it is not advisabje to attempt going through without a pilot acquainted with
the coast, as well oii account of the banks themselves, as of the great currents,
which run very strong up and down the river. Neither the ships belonging
to Havre or Honfleur, nor those which go up to Rouen, ever enter this river
without country pilots : there is a town on the Seine, called Quillebeuf,
which supplies all the vessels widi them, and they have large decked boats
for their purpose, which they keep always at sea, in readiness to be em-
ployed by ships that come from abroad.
The tides in all these parts have their course S E and N IF.
T O U O U E.
Above 2^ leagues to the southwestward of Honfleur, is the litde river
of Touque, frequented only by large boats, who load there with cider,
apples, and wood, for Rouen, Havre, Dieppe, and other places. Before
the mouth of this river lies the great bank of TrouviUe, with several small
ones just at the entrance, on which are placed beacons on both sides: as
they sometimes shift, they cannot be exactly described.
D I V E, or St. S A U V E U R sur D 1 V E.
From Touque to Dive Point is above 2 leagues, the coast running W S W.
Close to this point, on the western side, runs a river of that name, which^
like that of Touque, admits only very small vessels, which draw no more than
7 or 8 feet water. There are also several shifting banks at the entrance of
this river, about which nothing certain can be said.
The tides here arc at 10 o'clock, at new and full moon.
Mouth of the River ORNE, or River of CAEN.
Seven leagues S W by W of Havre, and two leagues W S W of Dive, is
the river of Caen, capable only of small vessels, that draw no more than 8 or
[22]
g feet of waiter. B fore it lie several banks, which render the entrance d ffi-
cult, and practicable only on the eastern side, by observing the following
marks :
West of the Orne or river of Caen, is a church with a high stone steeple,
which has two windows, one on each side, opposite to the other. You must
look through these two windows, and steer by these marks till you come
within sight of a buoy, which is at the end of the banks, and also of a beacon
on the point of the land. You pass between them, leaving the buoy on the
starboard side, and the beacon on the larboard side, "^"ou must not spare
sounding in this passage, which besides is not to be attempted but at high
water ; and I would advise all such as have opportunity, to take pilots of the
country. When you are got within the said beacon, close to the points of
the river, you cast anchor in a deep, where you continue afloat.
The tides are at lo o'clock.
The land from Honfleur to Dive is very high, and between there are three
vailles-, by which it is easily known. But from Dive to Savenelles, which
lies west of Caen, it is all sandy downs. At the extreme of the low lands of
this last place, appear three high steeples, which render it also very easy to
be known.
Above two leagues N W from Point du Siège, or the west point of the
river of Caen, and 2 miles from land, are several very dangerous rocks,
called Les Essarts de Bernieres ; and between them and the said point are
the Rocks du Lion, not less dangerous. At the west end of the Essarts de
Bernieres begin the Rocks of Calvados which stretch along the coast, and
parallel to it, at the distance of ^ a league, for ^\ leagues ; they are never
uncovered but at spring tides, and must be carefully avoided ; when you
sail along that coast, you ought not to approach nearer the land than 14 or
16 fathoms, otherwise you are in danger of running upon these rocks, close
to which arc iO or 12 fathoms water.
It is high -water here at g o'clock along the coast, but off the land, at half
past 10. Tbejiood runs along shore, but 3 or 4 leagues off the coast; it sets
E NE.
[23]
ISLES St. M A R C O U.
From off the river of Caen to the Isles St. Marcou, the course is about
W by N, near 12 leagues. These isles are three little spots, of a moderate
height, round which one may sail, and even cast anchor; they are without
inhabitants : there is a bank at each of their ends, which e.xtends about N W
and S E.
I S I G N Y.
OfF these isles, on the continent, is the mouth of the river of Isigny, which
can receive only small vessels that draw no more than 8 or g feet water.
At the eastern point of the entrance of this river is a ledge of rocks running
into the sea, |- a league due north, and the entrance must be made along
the western coast round this shoal. In the river you are sheltered from all
winds ; but it is dry every tide : a little to the west of it, along the shore, is
a sand-bank, 2 leagues in length, called Magdalen's Bank.
It is hjgb water all along this coast at half past 10. Thejlood sets strong
into the river of Isigny.
From 2 leagues west of the river of Caen to the river of Isigny, the land
is of a moderate height, and may be seen 6 or 7 leagues off. Above 6
leagues from the river of Caen, and 4 from that of Isigny, is a tovyn of fish-
ermen, called Port en Bessin ; there is a number of boats, which are
mounted on the beach with capsterns. Above this place, a litde within
land, you see two MOods of lofty trees, which appear like two little
mountains, and render this coast easy to be distinguished.
L A H O U G U E, or L A H O G U E.
From the Isles St. Marcou to Cape Barfleur, the course is N N W nearly
4 leagues : between them lies the road of La Hougue, a bight which enters
pretty far within land to the westward, and affords anchorage, where one
may ride safe from the south, S W, west, and even other winds, as far
as the north; but the S E, east, and N E winds bring in a very^ great swell.
This road is said to be one of the best in the Channel ; the anchorage is in
5) 6, 7, 8, and 9 fathoms at low water; the hold very good, the ground being
[24]
sand and clay ; and die swell in the winds you are exposed to is never so
strong as that ships should be driven from their anchors, if the cables are
good. About half way between the Isles St. Marcou and Cape Barfleur is
the port of La Hougue, whose village is called St. Vaast ; it admits ships of
12 or 15 feet draught. The entrance is along the land on the north side,
which is always chosen, because of some rocks which are in the south passage.
The harbour is dry every tide ; it is sheltered from all winds except the
east and S E, to which it lies quite open. In this harbour vessels meeting
with contrary winds in the Channel find shelter, and may wait safely for fa-
vourable weather; they come in and go out with any wind, and lie secure on
a bottom of clay from all winds between W S W and north, and between
north and S S W, nor is the sea ever rough, the harbour being well covered.
Half way between Cape Barfleur and the Isles St. Marcou, directly in the
fair-way, lies a litde bank, called Le Banc de Fer (the iron bank) which at
low water, spring tides, has only 2 fathoms water on it. Between La Hougue
and Cape Barfleur are several rocks, that stretch about a quarter of a league
in the sea, and are to be avoided-.
The tides are N N JV and S SE, in the road and off at sea ; but near the
land, it is high xvater from half after j to 8 o'clock.
The land from the river Isigny to Cape Barfleur is very low on the shore;
but about a league up the country it is all a high land. Directly above La
Hougue, on the highest hill, is a large church, called La Fernelle, which is
a good mark for distinguishing this coast.
CAPE BARFLEUR.
From Cap la Heve to Cape Barfleur the course is 1 7 and a half leagues,
W by N ; and from Cape Antifer to Cape Barfleur 18 leagues west nearly.
When you put to sea from Havre de Grace, you are to steer W N W, and
even take more on the north if it be night, because of the _rocks that lie off
Cape Barfleur, and of the surges which bear on the shore when you are near
it. And when you set sail from Cape Barfleur for Havre de (irace, in the
night, or in foggy weather, you are to take no less compass than E SE, often
heaving the lead, and still keeping in 16 or 18 fathoms water, if it be possible.
[ 25 ]
The ground in all that course is small red, grey, and black pebbles, like
small beans, with very little sand.
Cape Barfleur is a very low and long piece of land, with a town of that
name, which has a small harbour on the S E side, dry at every tide, and fit
only for vessels of 9 or 10 feet draught. It is easy to enter, for it needs no
more than to keep in mid-channel. In coming from the west, avoid passing
too near Cape Barfleur, because of the rocks which extend along the coast
above a mile into the sea.
The moon in the S E makes high water here ; and in the S S E, in the offing.
The tides are very rapid round ibis Cape, and tbeir current causes great
spoutings, which sometimes you vooiild take for breakers. This is called the
Race oj Barfeur.
OR ANV ILLE ROCK.
To the N E of Cape Barfleur, about 2 leagues, lies Granville Rock, on
which there is no more than 7 or 8 feet at low water. The chart of Blaeu,
in 1630, is the first in which notice has been taken of this rock, and Du
Bocage is likewise the first who gave us the depth of water upon it. Bellin,
the royal hydrographer of France, suppressed it in his chart of the Channel,
published in 1749, misled probably by the common report, which declared
that danger imaginary. Mr, De Gaulle vindicated, in his charts published
in 1776, the veracity of Blaeu and Du Bocage. " The Granville Rock,''
says he, " which lies near Barfleur, and whose existence appears uncertain
to several mariners who have had no occasion of being acquainted with it,
has been placed in this chart, and in that of the light-houses which I have
caused to be engraved by order of the Chamber of Commerce, from the
bearings communicated to me by mariners of the greatest repute, and from a
judicial report made to the Admiralty of Havre, the 25th of April, 1771.
Besides the harm is not great in taking heed of an uncertain danger ; but I
should be to blame had I suppressed it, in case that danger should exist, as
we have room to believe its existence."
C 26 ]
CAPE BARFLEUR LIGHT-HOUSE.
On Cape Barfleiir stands the fourth of the light-houses erected by the
Chamber of Commerce of Rouen, in 1775, three of which have been al-
ready described.
" This light-house, situated on the point of the rock which forms Cape
Gatleville, and level with the surface of the water, is raised on a base, in
order to preserve the foot of it from the breaking of the sea. From the
foundation of this base the body of the light-house is 88 feet, and the iron
lanthorn which contains the fire, is 15 feet high. The point of Cape Gatte-
ville towards the sea, is near a quarter of a league from Barfleur to the
north, forming a very low rocky point, running into the sea about 300 fa-
thoms, and in a line with the steeple of the parish church of Gatteville, which
stands on the summit of the coast. All the neighbouring coast is very
rocky, of a kind of granite, of which the tower is built."
Instructions for the Four Light-Houses of Normandy.
" The respective positions of the Four Light-houses is such, that supposing
a vessel coming from the north, and desirous to come into Havre, they will
see immediately the fire of Cape Lailly, which, in fine weather, ihey can keep
sight of till they catch the fires of La Heve ; and ships coming out of Havre to
go down the Channel, will not be long, after they lose sight of the said fires
of La Heve, before they perceive that of Barfleur ; or, in a word, ships
coming from the sea, who would go either into Havre or Dieppe, after they
see the three fires on the Caskets, will presently perceive the fire of Bar-
fleur, which will direct them to the sight of the two fires of La Heve, if they
are going to Havre, or to the fire of Lailly if they are going to Dieppe."
To these general instructions given by the Chamber of Commerce, the
following ones have been added by Mons. De Gaulle :
" The position of the fires of La Heve is N N E 2° 30' N, and S S W
2° 30' S, true north, from which it results, that being in the north quarter, you
never can see them in a line : therefore, when sailing in the Channel, if you \
should perceive a fire, being single to the southward, without having pre-
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[ 27 ]
viously seen the land, it cannot be any other but that of Barfleur, or the Fre
of Lailly ; and whereas the mistake should be very dangerous, it will be
proper not to steer your course l^fore you have sounded, to ascertain the
place where you are, remembering that at an equal distance from the land,
you have much deeper water about Barfleur than near Lailly. From N W
to north of Barfleur light-house, at 5 or 6 leagues distance, you find between
35 and 40 fathoms water, rotten ground, with a rebounding lead. Three
or 4 leagues from tiie same light-house, you have between 28 and 30 fa-
thoms, coarse gravel ; and very near the shore, there are between 20 and 22 fa-
thoms, coarse brown sand. But at Lailly, at the same distance of 5 or 6 leagues,
from the N W to the N E of the light-house, you will have only from 20 to
24 fathoms water, mixed ground, with pieces of reddish rocks, shells, gravel,
and pebbles of various colours ; and nearer to the shore, between 2 and 4
leagues from the said light-house, you will find 18 and 20 fathoms, same
ground as before. You may stand in 15 or 16 fathoms water to the fire of
Lailly J but it should not be proper to approach the shore nearer than
that depth.
" A ship coming from the westward, and who has made herself sure of
the fire of Barfleur, is not to approach it nearer than 22 or 20 fathoms water ;
and if she is bound td Havre or to the river Seine, and that, after having des-
cried the two fires of La Heve, she should be obliged to make tacks from
north to south, either to wait for daylight, or for the tide, she is to come no
nearer the south land than 15 or 14 fathoms water (this is to be understood
equally for the day-time) Likewise when at the mouth of the Seine, you
are not to bring the two fires of Lailly in one line, unless two-thirds of the
flood at least are run.
C A P E L E V Y.
From Cape Barfleur to Cape Levy the land bears west about 3I-
leagues. Between are a number of rocks under water, and among them
those called the Three Stones, which are half a league from the shore, so
that it is not safe to approach too near the land. Eastward of Cape Levy is
another rock called the Great Rcynier, which lies a mile and a half farther
E 2
[ 28 ]
than the rest. In sailing along this coast, if you keep the great mountain
above Cherbourg clear of Cape Levy, you will pass wide of all those rocks.
Cape Levy makes a great cove or bight on the western side, which afibrds
anchorage, and a shelter from the east, S E, ^and S W winds; you anchor in
6 and 7 fathoms' water, sandy ground.
TJje tide.i here are J'rom half after j fo S o'clock, but in the offing at half
if ter 10, as they arc all along the coast as far as St. Germain, or Cape
la Hague.
CHERBOURG,,
From Cape Levy to Cherbourg the course is two leagues S W. Near
Cherbourg, about 2 miles N E of the town, is a small rocky island, called
L'Isle Pelée (bald island) which extends about 800 yards in length, from
N N W to S S E, and 600 in breath, from E N E to W N W. It is al-
most always above water, unless at very high tides, and then there are two
heads which are never covered, so that they may very well be avoided. It
is very safe on the side towards the sea; but there is no passing from it to
the land, except at high water with small barks, but not with a ship. The
Road of Cherbourg lies direcdy before the town, between this island on the
east and Hommet Point on the west side, and has 6, 7, and 8 fathoms water,
fine sand, and the hold very good. It is sheltered against winds from the
E S E point to the N W ; but is exposed to the east, N E, and north
winds. N W of the Road of Cherbourg is the point of a rock under water,
which reaches a cable's length in the sea ; this point is called Le Hommet.
From Hommet Point to Cape la Hague, the coast runs W N W above
4 leagues, having at about 2 miles from the point, a head of rocks called
Point Querquevilie, and 3 miles farther, another rocky head called Raz de
Baune, which runs half a league into the sea. Cape la Hague is also called
Point St. Germain, because of the church of St. Germain situated upon it. It
is all low land near the sea ; but half a league within the country it is high land,
on which appear several churches and houses. Half way from Cherbourg
to Cape la Hague is a great cove, called La Fosse d'Omonville, where a
ship may ride secure from almost all winds, for there are rocks towards the
[ ^9 ]
sea on which you may moor, while you cast anchor on the land side. This
road will only serve three middling ships; besides, the rocks at the bottom
being very apt to cut the cables, it is very seldom visited.
The tides are here as at Cherbourg ; the flood sets along the shoreE S E,
and the ebb the contrary way.
CAPE LA HAGUE.
This cape is often, but very improperly, named Cape la Hogue ; under
it are several covered rocks, which extend a quarter of a league into the
sea due N W, whence it is not safe to approach this pointVithin at least half
a league. Cape la Hague makes the eastern side of the Raz Blanchard, or
Race of Alderney, as the east extreme of the Isle of Alderney is forming
the western ; from one to the other the channel is about 2~ leagues wide.
At the eastern point of Alderney island several rocks lie under water,
but not reaching so far into the sea as those of Cape la Hague ; where-
fore those who pass through the Raz Blanchard steer about mid-channel, or
nearer to Alderney than to Cape la Hague.
The tides are extremely strong in this passage, and set S S E and N NIF ;
2 miles north of the Race, they set S E^ S, and N IV - N ; and in the
southern part of it NE and S IV -, the swiftness of this current in spring
tides is about tivo leagues an hour.
Isles of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, &c. by Captain Dobree.
ALDERNEY, with the Race of Alderney, and the Passage au Singe.
The island of Alderney* (called Aurigny by the French) lies near 3
leagues west of Cape la Hague, about 5 miles in length and 2 in breadth.
• Near this island in the night between the 4th and 5th of October, 1744, perished Ad-
miral Balchin, in the Victory of 1 10 guns and i loo men. This ship had been separated by a
storm from the fleet under the command of the admiral, and sunk on the Alderney Rocks :
parts of the wreck were found by the people of Alderney, who gave also an account that they
heard in the night the discharge of near a hundred guns, signals of distress, which, on ac-
count of the boisterous sea, they were unable to obey.
[30]
On the north and west it is surrounded with rocks, but the east side is pretty
clean, as well as the south part, on which there is a place called the Fort,
consisting of a battery that commands the little port of Longy.
Due south from Alderney about 2 leagues, and near 3 from the isle of.
Sark, lies a bank, called La Chole, (from the Vtford shoal} which has no more
than 12 feet at low water, spring tides. It is situated in the middle of the
passage of the Race, in a straight line with the isle of Sark : it is two leagues
long, N E and S W, but very narrow. The marks for the middle of the
bank, are Alderney Mill north, and the Caskets N W.
West of Alderney lies a channel, about a mile wide, called Passage au
Singe, (ape's passage) between the western point of the island, and the isle
of Buron. There are some rocks near Alderney, of which the furthest off,
called Corbet, may be approached within pistol shot, as well as the isle Bu-
ron. To the S W of Buron is Ortach, a huge Rock, close to which you
have 14 and 15 fathoms water; and south of this, easterly, at the distance of
two large miles, lies the Pierre au Wrach, (the wreck stone) which requires
great caution. It is of the size and in the form of a boat, but appears only
at low water, spring tides; you find 15 and 16 fatJioms water close to it.
The CASKETS.
The Caskets lie west of Ortach, at\he distance of 3 or 4 miles : they are
a cluster of Rocks, some above the sea, and the greatest part under water.
On the largest of them stand Three Light-houses, in the form of a triangle,
which may be seen 5 or 6 miles off, in a dark night, those lights bear westward
of Alderney about 7 miles, of Cape la Hague 6 leagues, and from Guernsey
5 leagues N by E -j E. A ship may pass between the Caskets and Ortach,
keeping nearest to Ortach ; this channel is good, but in case of a calm, the
variety of tides makes it hazardous; for between the Caskets and Guernsey,
the tides run very strong, and make the whole round of the compass in 12 hours.
In running along the French coast from the Caskets to Cape la Hague,
you must haul out from the Caskets N E by N 3 or 4 leagues, in order to
avoid the rocks that lie to the westward of Alderney, and then steer agai»
east for the Cape.
[31 ]
ISLE OF GUERNSEY.
The Isle of Guernsey lies to the south-westward of Alderney, above 5
leagues, and near the same distance from the Caskets S S \\' |- W. It is
high land on the southern side, which lowers gradually towards the north. It
is encompassed with rocks almost on every side; the most remarkable clus-
ters are to the westward the Hanovaux ; to the northward the Braycs, with
many others; and to the eastward the Isles of Herm, Jethou, Sark, &c. sur-
rounded themselves with numberless rocks. The town of St. Peter stands
on the eastern coast, and has a port between two stone piers 35 feet high,
forming an entrance 100 feet wide at the top, and 68 at the surface of the sea.
- The sea rises here at spring iides, to 28 and 0,0 feet, and not to above 12
or 14. at neap tides ; it Jloivs, at full and change, E and IF, or six hours.
The roads are on the eastern side, and there are i~d.'0 channels to come from the
wcstn^ard into them, called the Little and the Great Russel.
I. The LITTLE RUSSEL.
This Channel, called also the Little Ruau, lies between the Isles of Guern-
sey and Herm. In coming in from the north, or from the west, you may
stand away to the east, as if in quest of the Amphroques, observing not to
come nearer than a mile to the Braycs, which lie to the N E point of Guern-
sey, and when you open St. Martin's or the SE point of the island, a sail's
breadth westward of Brehon, (a rock with a stone pyramid, 20 feet high,
between Herm and Guernsey) you are well prepared for entering the Little
Russel. — N. B. you must not approach too near the Rocks called Les Ang-
loises, or Flabougeres, which lie S E of the Brayes ; and, to avoid falling on
them, you must keep the Town Church open to the east side of Wall Castle.
But if you- come from the Race of Alderney, you are not to approach the
Amphroques nearer than -j a league, keeping the Church of Catel open a
sail's breadth to the N W of Wall Castle ; by this means you may avoid the
Plattebouée, a sunken Rock to the N W of the great Amphroque : continuing
that course till you have St. Martin's Point open a sail's breadth westward
of Brehon, you may boldly run in to the Little Russel, till you are passed
[ 32 ]
beyond a round Rock, a litde above w i'.er, called La Rou'se, by which,
•to avoid Roustel, you steer pretty close, leaving it on your larboard hand.
After this, keeping Longue Pierre (long stom ) open a great sail's breadth,
with the S W of La Rousse, and keeping also St. Mtrtin's P )int open a sail's
breadth with the western foot of Brehon, you avoid the rocks of the Grune
au Rouge, wiiich lie under water, and are h\it .oldom seen. Steering this
course you will have brought Brehon with Cievichon S E and N W,
then you are past the dangers of the Grune au Rouge, and may run for the
Piers of Guernsey, observing however, to keep the end of the south Pier in
a line with Captain John Tuper's house, in order to avoid the Rocks called
the Refées and Buoys Agenor.
N. B. The Longue Pierre is a rock always above water, whose E S E point
appears like a sail ; it lies 2 miles E N E from La Roussc. — Roustel is the
most dangerous Rock in the Little Russel; it lies 500 yards V/ N W from
Rousse, and is never seen but at half ebb. About :oo yards to the N E of
Roustel, there is a sunken Rock, which you must avoid very carefully, and
therefore you ought never to come nearer than that distance to Roustel.
When you are entered into the Little Russel, between La Rousse and
Roustel, and a contrary wind obliges you to luff in order to gain the Road,
if you bear west, you must not bring Brehonnet on St. Martin's Point; for,
in such a case, you woidd run upon Roustel ; and if your course lies east-
ward, you must not bring Brehon on St. Martin's Point, which would carry
you on the Grenettes, or Genettes (rocks under water, between La Rousse
and Brehon) ; but you must always keep St. Martin's Point open with, or
clear of, the west of Brehon, a sail's breadth.
In the Little Russel you bave 5 or Gfalbonis at loiv ifatej; neap tides : it
ought to be observed, tbat Ibejlood never begins to run in this channel (as
well as in the Great Russel ) till the sea is at half its height, nor the ebb be-
gins its retreat till the sea is halfjallen.
11. The GREAT RUSSEL.
The Great Russel lies between the Isles of Henn. This channel is con-
venient for ships of all sorts, and much less embarrassed than the Little Russel.
[ 33 J
When you come from the northward, or from the Race of Alderncy, your
course is S W, till you arrive at the entrance of the Channel. There you
see, to the east of the Isle of Herm, a stone named Noire Pute, (black
whore) at the distance'of a large quarter of a league; you leave it on the
starboard side, and may approach it within 500 yards. When you are past
this rock, you must bring St. Mary's Point on the Goubiniere, another Rock
which lies S S W of Jethou, j a mile off. By this means you avoid all the
dangers near the Isle of Herm and fethou.
Once beyond Goubiniere, continue the same course S S W till you have
brought St. Martin's Church on the middle of the Bay of Formain ; then
you may steer towards the port of Guernsey, till Brehon stands north east-
erly, or till you have got the Little Guard House, (which stands at the end
of the south Pier) open to the S E of Cornet Castle ; when this is done you
are sure of having avoided the two sunken rocks, called Les Têtes d'aval,
(the lower heads) and may boldly enter the Road.
You may likewise, instead of the above course, steer along by the Isle of
Sark, at the distance of 600 yards. You meet with no dangers but such as
are above water and never covered, even at the Equinoxes, except a sunken
rock, called the Givaud ; but you must steer almost close to the western
point of Brecqhou, (or L'Isle aux Marchands) to meet with this rock, so
that it is not at all dangerous. You may tack about, and alter the course for
near half a league, between the Isle of Sark and the dangers before described,
which he between Herm and Jethou.
III. Coming by the South Side of Guernsey.
When you are to the N W of Guernsey, and intend to pass by the south
side of the island, you must not come too near the western part, for fear of
several rocks that lie wide of it : by bringing the house on the Isle of Lihou
in one with the Guard House on Pleinmont, you avoid the Grunes.and the
Sambule, two sunken rocks, the most dangerous in this passage; you leave
them on your larboard hand, and steer towards the Hanovaux, (Hanways.)
These are a long chain of rocks always above water, half a league from land,
and no passage between ; you pass 3 miles wide of them, leaving them also
on your larboard side.
F
[34]
\Vhen abreast of these rocks, steer S E till you have brought the windmill
on Sark, a great sail's breadth open of the south point of Guernsey ; proceed
in that direction, approaching St. Martin's Point at the distance of less than a
mile, till Wall Church is in one with Cornet Castle, (which church is above
a league to the north-westward of the Castle) but large vessels must open it
to the eastward of the castle ; though either way in you have nothing to fear
from the Longue Pierre, which is a rock near St. Martin's Point, and arrive
safe in the road.
You may anchor along the south side of Guernsey in 30 and 35 fathoms
water, good ground, two miles from the land; nearer, the ground is not so
good, except nigh St. Martin's Point, where you may anchor within a mile.
At the eastern part of St. Martin's Point are some Rocks, which are not to
be trusted; however as they lie very near the land there is no danger.
When you sail to the south side of Guernsey, and the sea begins to rise,
the flood runs along the shore to St. Martin's Point, near Longue Pierre,
and there it begins to set to the northward till four hours after. Therefore
care must be taken, that this first flood should not carry you into the Great
Russel, which may happen in a calm.
IV. The GREAT and LITTLE ROADS.
The Great Road extends from St. Martin's Point, as far as one mile S S W
of Brehon. It affords 25, 20, 18, 16, and down to io|- fathoms water,
very good bottom, half a mile from Cornet Castle, observing only to have
the Town Church open to the north of the said Castle.
N. B. If you open the South Pier Head with Cornet Castle, and bring St.
Martin's Point S W, you anchor in the N E part in 1 1 fathoms, good
ground. About a mile, or a mile and j from St. Martin's Point, you may
stop tide in 30 or 35 fathoms, clean bottom.
It must be observed likewise, that to the south of the Road, lies a shoal
called the Great Bank, on which there are but 3 fathoms water ; but this
happens only twice in the year, in March and September. This bank lies
right off Formain Bay, a mile from the shore, and is about a mile in length,
stretching N by E and S by W.
[35 3
ISLE of JERSEY.
Jersey is 3 leagues and a half in length from east to west, and above 2
leagues in breadth. Its N W point lies S'E by S from St. Martin's Point
in Guernsey, about 5 or 6 leagues ; its S W point 1 1 leagues N from St.
Malo, and its distance from the coast of Normandy is 4 leagues at most, and
with a good wind, you pass from one to the other in two hours. This island,
like Guernsey, is surrounded with rocks, which render the access both diffi-
cult and dangerous.
St. Helier is the principal town in Jersey ; it is situated in the bay St.
Aubin, almost in the middle of the southern side ; and has the best road in
the whole island, but yet dangerous on account of the numerous rocks scat-
tered round the entrance. The town and bay are defended by several bat-
teries, but chiefly by Castle Elizabeth, built in the bay, on a large rock, to
which you may go at low water quite dry. With northerly winds you may
anchor about a league without this bay in 15 and 20 fathoms water, clear of
any danger from the rocks.
The west side of Jersey forms another large bay, called St. Owen's Bay,
wherein large vessels may anchor in 12 and 15 fathoms water, sheltered from
westerly winds. Westward of this bay, about 1 league and -j, is a bank,
called the Great Bank, extending 4 or 5 miles N W and S E, where you
may cast anchor in 12 fathoms.
On the eastern part is the Bay St. Catharine, where the anchorage and the
hold are good. St. Clement's Point, (the S E point of the island) is to the
south of this road, and must not be approached nearer than a large league,
because of a ledge of rocks, called Banc de Vielet, which runs from it to-
wards the S E.
The tides set very strong through the rocks, and run, as ive have already
observed in speaking of the other islands, the whole circuit of the compass in
12 hours ; a N by E and S by W moon makes the highest tides about these
places.
The two most remarkable ledges of rocks, on the north side of Jersey,
are the Pater Nosters, and the Ecreho Rocks ; the first lie about 5 miles off
F2
C 36 ]
the N W point, and stretch above a league east and west. The others are
5 or 6 miles from the N E point, extending E S E, and N N W, between
2 and 3 leagues. Both the ledges consist of a multitude of rocks between,
several of which are above water.
THE MINQUIERS.
To the south of Jersey, between 3 and 4 leagues S |- W from St. Cle-
ment's Point, and about 5 N by E from Cape Frehel in Britanny, are the
Minquiers, a chain of rocks 3 full leagues in length, E N E and W N W,
and above a league in breadth. They are very dangerous, for the waves
drive right across them as you come from the west. The greatest part of
these rocks are under water ; those which shew themselves are called Les
Maisons. The westernmost of the Minquiers, called Le Derée, are always
above water, and appear detached from the rest.
Continuation of the French Coast.
GRAND AN CE.
A large league to the south of Cape la Hague is a very good road, called
La Grande Ance (the great covej, or Ance de Vauville, where you may
cast anclior in 4 or 5 fathoms water, and be sheltered from the N E, east,
and S E winds.
NEZ DE CARTERET, or CARTERET NESS.
From Cape la Hague to Carteret Ness the land runs S 5- E y^ leagues.
This shore is very safe, and one may cast anchor all along, and be sheltered
as in the Grand Ance; inland you see several churches and mills, and it is
all high double land.
P O R T B A I L.
About 5 miles S E of Carteret is another very good road, called Portbail,
which affords a shelter from the N E and S E winds, in 15 or 16 fathoms
water.
[37 3
ROCKS of ECREiro.
Six or 7 miles S W from Portbail, and about the same distance S W by W
from Carteret, are a number of rocks, called Ecreho, always above water,
and encompassed with other rocks, mostly under water. They are about i
league in length from S E to N W, and pretty near 2 miles in breadth ; se-
veral banks, called Banks de L'Ecrcviere, extend from their S E end in a
S E direction, about 4 miles. There is a passage between all these and the
coast of Normandy, by steering near the land ; also between them and Jersey,
by steering near the island. In the middle of the passage along the coast
lie the Bancs Fêlés, in the same direction with those of L'Ecreviere.
LE BŒUF.
About i4 league to the southward of L'Ecreviere banks, is a large rock
above water, named Le Bœuf, from whence a range of rocks under water,
called La Lignée du Bœuf, extends near a league to the S W.
The tides are very great between all these rocks, and there is no dettr-
mining with certainty their setting , because of their separation among the se-
veral ledges.
The moon in the EN E makes here high -water, which sinks j fathoms per-
pendicular- this makes it very dangerous to those unacquainted with the
cbanncls.
GRANVILLE.
Granville lies above 11 leagues S by E^E from Cape Carteret. In this
passage you meet with several rocks above water, and some shoals, which are
to be avoided. The town stands on the top of a steep and rugged rock al-
most surrounded by the sea. The harbour, which is dry every tide, lies
E N E and W S W, at the foot of the rock ; it is formed by a jetty built of
loose stones, about 180 yards in length. There is no road at Granville, but
ships generally anchor at Cape Lihou, on the west end of the rock, where
the ground is good.
The moon in tlje eastern and western points makes high water at Granville,
as it does also all along that coast as far as Cancalle, and even to St. Malç -,
the sea here rises very fast.
[38]
All the country between Carteret and Granville is very high land, and
affords a prospect of numbers of houses and mills, interspersed with lofty trees.
ISLE DE CHAUSEY, or CIIOSÉ.
About 3 leagues westward of Granville is situated the little Isle of Chausey,
in the middle of a range of rocks, 3 miles in length from east to west. The
anchorage is at the south side of the island near a fort, which was destroyed
by Commodore (now Lord) Howe in 1756; and the people of St. Malo
load there with stones for building their houses.
MOUNT St. MICHAEL.
Four leagues S by E ^ E from Granville stands Mount St, Michael,
which is a huge rock, at the distance of a league from the shore : on it is a
little fortified town, with an abbey of the same name. This place is fre-
quented only by pilgrims, and is inaccessible to ships ; it admits only small
craft that ply in the river of Avranches, which passes near it. The mount
stands dry every tide, and those who go thither are not able to pass but at
low water, with guides who conduct them to avoid the quicksands.
The tide rises here so quick, that if any one should happen to be in the ivay
between this rock and the continent when the flood is coming, 5 ?niles off, it
xvill be impossible for him to escape, even zvilh the sivijtest horse.
C A N C A L L E.
From Granville to the Point or Grouin of Cancalle the course is S W near
4 leagues. About one league east of the said point of Cancalle are three big
rocks, under which you may cast anchor, in 8 or 10 fathoms water. And
N E of the town are two other rocks, within which you may anchor in 5 or
6 fathoms. Coming from the sea, and bound to Cancalle, you pass be-
tween the three first rocks and the point, and find in that passage no less than
8 or 9 fathoms water.
The tides are here east and west.
From Cancalle Point the coast extends two leag'ies to the westward, when
you meet with a Cape or Point, on which are a multitude of rocks, both above
and under water. This Point is about a league to the N E of St. Malo.
^
o
ri
V
[ 39 ]
St. MALO.
The city of St. Malo stands in the middle of the sea upon a rocky island,
which is now joined with the main land by means of a causeway : it is at
the bottom of a very deep bay, full of rocks above and below water, which
project at least f of a league into the sea, lh(;y extend from all parts of
the shore, besides a number of isles, which almost bar the entrance. There
are, however, four passages by which the harbour may be entered, with the
help of the following marks :
I. LACONCHÉE.
This passage, which is the easternmost of all, is distinguished by a high
■white rock, called the Couchée to the eastward of Sezembre, a litde Island
about 3 miles to the N W of St. Malo ; this rock you leave on your star-
board side, you steer above the corner of the said city that is nearest to the
Grand Bay Rock, which is a big fortified islot near the city on the N W of
it. And when you are got within the length of a cable or two from the
city, you steer S W, turning about by the Grand Bay and the Litde Bay
Rocks, another islot close to it on the west side, to come to an anchor in
Ranee Road under the town.
II, La Petite Porte, or Channel of the Little Gate.
Sezembre is an isle of good height, and has on it a convent and a mill ;
but they are in a bottom on the south of the island, whence they cannot be
seen from the sea. To the west of this isle are two passages, called La Grande
Porte, and La Petite Porte ; the last is nearest Sezembre. To enter this
passage, you bring the end of Sezembre about a good quarter of a league
S S E of you, and then you steer south, leaving Sezembre a cable's length
on the larboard side; and when you are passed within the end of the island,
you see a mast for a beacon on a rock under water, which you leave on the
larboard side. As soon as you are passed this beacon, you steer by Litde
Bay Rock, till you bring the point of the city, or a little tower which stands
at the end of the said Point, in a line with St. Servand steeple, keeping this
[40]
direction till you come under the city, where you cast anchor in 6 or 7 fa-
thoms water. When you make for this road by the aforesaid marks, you
leave the rock called Buron on your larboard side, in passing between it and
the Litde Bay Rock.
III. La Grande Porte, or Chann el of the Great Gate.
When you come from the west, or from Cape de Frehel, and have a mind
to enter St. Malo by the Grande Porte, you must steer by Sezembre, leaving
it a litde on the north till you meet with the following marks, which you must
take with you a good quarter of a league before you are at Sezembre, be-
cause of the rocks which lie off it. You are to bring a huge Black Rock at
the north side of the town, very remarkable, in a line with a Steeple at a
great distance on land, called Paramé. You steer by these marks, which are
about E ^ N, inclining a little to the east, till you are within the beacon
Du Jardin ; this is a rock under water at the end of Sezembre, or Petite
Porte abovementioned, which you leave on the larboard side : then you
bring the litde Tower at the end of the town into a line with the Steeple
of St. Servand, and steer by these marks till you come within the Bay Rock
under the city as aforesaid, always leaving the Buron on your starboard
side, when you pass between it and the Little Bay Rock.
IV. PASSAGE DES DECOLLEES.
There is also another entrance along the coast, called the Décollées ; but
it is very difficult, and frequented by none but small vessels.
LA PIERRE DE RANCE, or RANCE STONE.
At the mouth of the river Ranee, called also the river of Dinan, which is
the road of St. Malo, is a stone under water, called the Stone of Ranee. It
is about the middle of the channel, and you may leave it on the starboard or
larboard side, as you please; but if you have a mind to go to Solidore, or
under the town, it is advisable to take with you a pilot. Ships under the
town are. left quite dry on the sand, where they arc under shelter from all winds.
The tides are east and west.
[41 J
CAPE FREHEL, and LIGHT-HOUSE.
About 4 leagues W N W of St. Malo is Cape Frehcl. It is a very high
and steep land, on which stands a remarkable light-house j at the pitch of the
Cape is a thick rock, separated from it but litde less than a musquet-shot. Within
this Cape, about a league to the E by S, lies another, which forms the en-
trance of the Bay de la Frcsnaye, and is called Point la Latte, from a castle
of that name on its extreme point.
BAYE DE LA FR ESN AYE.
When you come from Cape Frehel, and are bound to La Fresnaye bay,
either to wait for the tide to go up to St. Malo, or to take a pilot, you must
range along the coast, leaving it two cables length on your starboard side ;
and thus you pursue your course till you are within the castle of La Latte,
and have its bridge quite open ; then the casile will bear N N W. This is
a very good road, where you anchor in 8 or 9 fathoms, coarse gravel.
The tides there are east and west, as on all the coast as far as Granville.
Between this bay and St. Malo the land forms several creeks, before which
you may anchor if necessary.
Three full leagues N W of St. Malo, and N E ^r N of Cape Frehel, is a
bank, called Oyster Bank, over which you may pass in 6 or 7 fathoms water.
ISLES DE BRÉHAT.
From Cape Frehel to the north end of the Isles of Bréhat the coast lies
W N W 8 leagues ; but you must go more to the north, because of the rocks
called Les Bouillons and Le Lejon, which lie in the fair-way near 4 leagues
off Cape Frehel, and above 2 leagues from land ; they are for the most part
under water.
Between Cape Frehel and Bréhat arc the rivers and harbours of St, Bricuc
and Benic.
The great isle of Bréhat is about a league in length N N E and S S W.
Coming from the east you see on this isle two mills, and a house between
them, situated on a mountain ; you may anchor almost quite rpund the island,
G
[42]
though there are several clusters of rocks above water. The harbour of
Bréhat, called La Chambre, (the chamber,} on tlie south side of the island,
is very difficult to enter, on account of the numbers of rocks which are there ;
and all such as are unacquainted with the place ought not to think of going
thither. At the north-eastern point, a small distance from the island, arc
likewise several dangers underwater, which stretch a large league in the sea.
About 1^ league N E ^ N is a very dangerous rock under water, named
the Horaine.
A large league west of the Isles of Bréhat, and above two leagues wide of
the continent, arc the rocks called Les Epées (the swords), a great part of
which are above water. Ycu may sail quite round them ; but between them
and the main land arc numbers of sunken rocks which are very dangerous.
ROCHEDOUVRE.
About 8 leagues S S W of Guernsey, and 4^ leagues north from Bréhat,-
are the high rocks called Roche Douvre. Two leagues and a half to the
S E of them are those called Barnoui and Gautier, which are also commonly
above water. The Roche Douvre rocks are almost all above water, and half
way from them to Bréhat lies likewise a sunken rock, called Rocarbel, and
never in sight. At high water you may pass over it, but never at low water.
RIVER OF TREGUIER.
Three leagues and a quarter west of Bréhat is the river of Treguier. At
the east of the entrance of this river are a number of rocks, as well above as
under water : the western side, or that of Port Blanc, has likewise some rocks
covered and uncovered. ,
ISLE TOME.
Two leagues and a half to the west of Port Blanc is the Isle Tome, round
which you may anchor. It is a very good road; and there is also a fine
passage between this island and the Seven Isles.
THE SEVEN ISLES.
About a league to the N W of the Isle of Tome, and above 6 leagues
[43 3
W4: N of Bréhat, are situated Les Sept Isles (the seven isles), through which
there is no sailing. From tlie easternmost of these islands there is a rocky
bank, at whose extremity, on the south side, a rock, which is always un-
covered, becomes a good mark for avoiding the said bank. On the west side
of these isles a number of rocks above and under water, ought to make one
cautious of approaching too near them.
THETRIAGONS.
Near i|- league west of the Seven Isles, and 3 leagues N W g: N of La-
nion river, is a great bank of rocks, named Les Triagons, partly above, but
mostly under water. This bank is x league j in length S E and N W, and
near |- a league in breadth.
The Triagons are the rocks called, in our old charts, the Treacle Pots ;
there is a channel between them and the shore. About 1 league N W of
the Triagons lies a sunken ledge, called La Feuille.
There is a good channel to the south of the Seven Isles, and the Triagons,
which is called Perros Channel.
RIVER OF L A N I O N.
From the river of Tréguier to the point of Lanion river, the coast runs
westward 5 leagues ; you come to it by the land side of Isle Tome ; at the
N W point are several rocks, which must be avoided, after which you sail
up southward towards the entrance of the river.
On the land off the Seven Isles, by the coast, is a high spire steeple, called
Notre Dame de Clarté ; which is a very good mark for distinguishing the
Seven Isles ; and on the land off the Triagons is a high tower, by which it is
easily known when you are near them ; but this tower is to be seen only in
clear weather.
Let all who sail by night, or in -winter, from Usbant, or from the passage
Du Four, to St. Malo, be careful not to steer more towards the east than
'E NE, or N EjE, till they have the Triagons on their starboard side-, for
the currents set strongly to the S E upon the Triagons and the Seven Isles.
G 2
[44]
Bui by day, and in clear weather there is no danger of coasting too near the
land, because you see every danger.
M O R L A I X.
Four leagues west of Lanion river is the eastern point of the river of Mor-
laix, and between both lies the little harbour of St. Jean du Doigt, which is
dry every tide. You may pass across the rocks to go to Morlaix, and an-
chor in 6 or 7 fathoms.
Morlaix is one of the principal harbours of Britanny : to sail into it, when
the high rock with two horns, called the Saddle, or the Bull, which lies be-
fore the entrance of Lanion river, has been brought to bear east about 3
miles, steer for the northernmost point of land on the east side of die en-
trance of Morlaix bay, bearing W S W, till you come within a mile of the
rocks which lie off that point ; then steer S by W for the small island, lying
off the point on the east side of the river's entrance. You must leave all the
rocks with beacons on the larboard side, and the Reguel Islands with Wo-
men's Island on the starboard side. From the small island, off the eastern
point, you may proceed up till you arc above the point on the other side of
the river, and anchor in 6 or 7 fathoms water,
Thejiood comes from the N W.
St. POL DE LEON.
But if you desire to go to St. Pol de Leon, steer your course direcdy to
the Saddle, or Great Horned Rock, and coast it ; and when you come near
it, make towards the land. On the shore stands a village called Penipoul,
which you may coast ; at the cast lies the entrance of the river. They are
all tide-ports; but between the rocks of Morlaix and the Isle of Bas, there
is depth enough at low water to shelter a ship. The coast of St. Pol de
Leon is a double land ; the church of the city has two high spiry steeples,
between which the Isle of Bas appears, and has on it two poles, looking, afar
off, like two mills. At the east end of this island is a high craggy rock,
which stands by itself; and when you are to the eastward of it you see two
spiry steeples, a good way from each other, that belong to Pempoul. You
Vi'tuni'ftt j^
J^uHLt.'i^J î^ ^f'oMn .'Airtna lYc . /»/r'*/>*
<
[45]
have also a prospect of the castle of Terreau, or Torro, which stands on a
high rock to the S E, above 2 leagues distant from the point of Isle de Bas.
One may go along by ilie main land across these rocks to the Seven Isles.
There is good bottom for anchorage every where, and llie coast is all in
great bays.
ROCHE BLANCHE.
Five leagues to the north and N ^ E of the isle of Jîas lies a rock under
water, called Roche Blanche (the white rock.) The Dutch Pilot tells us,
that at low sea the top of this rock appears betwixt wind and water; but
the fishermen of the isle of Bas have assured me of the contrary, and that
there is always water enough for passing all sorts of large ships over them,
though in stormy weather the sea breaks much more strongly here than in
other places. This rock is distant from Caskets 27 leagues to the N E ^f E.
and from the Seven Isles g leagues to the E S E.
I S L E D E B A S.
The Isle de Bas about 3 miles in length, from east to west, and one mile in
breadth, is separated from the land by a narrow chatmel, at the eastern end
of which lies Roscou, or Roscof ; it is a small harbour, which some years ago
was made, by the French government, a kind of free port for the exportation
of rum brought from their colonies, which was there deposited, and sold to our
smugglers. You may enter Roscou by the two ends of the Channel, that is,
by the cast, and by the west ; but the shore of this isle is encumbered with a
multitude of rocks above and under water, which render the access to the
harbour very difficult.
To enter on the eastern side, after you have passed the Saddle Rock, you
must stand towards the shore between the point of the main land, and steer
through the middle of the channel, where at high water you have 7 or 8 fa-
thoms, but at low tide there is no passing at all, on account of the multitude
of rocks ; at high water it is even so dangerous that you ought always to take
a pilot. The Dutch chart makes this passage very easy, but experience has
convinced me of the contrary. Between the port of Roscou and this end of
the Isle de Bas, the coast is all along full of great rocks, which reach as far
as the middle of the passage to the Isle de Bas.
[46 3
The western passage is easier than the eastern. In order to accomplish it^
you must approach the end of the isle within cannon-shot, where you per-
ceive a single rock, which stands in about a third of the distance between the
end of the isle and the main land. You must steer close by it, and push it
with a long oar; it is very safe. This rock is called La Lavandière (the
laundress) ; and at twice a ship's length from it is another rock under water,
called Le Couillon (the testicle). You must pass between this Rock and the
Lavandière, with this last on your starboard side, and the Couillon on your
larboard. When you are got within these rocks, you approach a little off
the island, taking care in the mean time of two rocks under water which are
near the shore ; and for which reason it is good to have a man on the mizzen
yard to keep watch. These dangers are indeed easily discerned, for the
waters are extremely clear in this place. When you are about the middle
of the isle you see a great cove, with several houses on it, ovcr-against which
you may anchor in 4 fathoms at low water.
The tides here are W \S,andE\ N.
From the end of the Isle de Bas to the Four the Coast bears E N E and
S S W twelve leagues. All along this shore, to half a league off at sea, are
- nothing but massy rocks, which look like houses. The land is none of the
highest, but may be seen 5 or 6 leagues off; you may discern also, as you
coast it, numbers of steeples and houses.
BAYE D'ABREVERAK.
About 8 leagues to the west of the Isle dc Bas, is Abreverak, which is a
vcrv large and good Bay, but very difficult to enter. As I have no perfect
knowledge of the marks to be observed for facilitating its entrance, I shall
say no more of it.
ROCHERS DU PORSAL.
About a league from Abreverak are situated the Rocks of Porsal. They
are almost all under water, and above half a league distant from the land.
There is also good anchorage among them, but the entrances are very difficult.
From Porsal to the Four the coast runs W S W about 4 leagues. This
land is also of a moderate height, encumbered with a multitude of rocks for
[47 1
at least a good quarter of a league wide : wherefore those who ply by uiglit
along this coast ought not to approach the land within 45 or 50 fathoms of
water. The bottom along this shore is a grey sand, with small flints like little
nuts, of divers colours.
The moon in tbe W ^ S If, and Jf S Jf points, makes here bigb tide, as
also at tbe Isle of Bas, Morlaix, and St. Pol de Léon. A little off tbe land
tbejlocd tends E N E, and ibe ebb JF S JF along tbe shore.
TIDES and CURRENTS.
Before Calais and Blanc Xez the flood sets from the west quarter to land,
afterwards N N E.
Between Blanc Nez and Boulogne the flood sets N by E on shore ; but
in the offing N N E.
Tbe bigbest tide is zvben tbe moon is S SE.
Between Boulogne and Dieppe, and before the river Somme, the flood
sets die first quarter to the land ; afterwards N E by E, and the ebb S W by W.
Between Dieppe and Cape de Caux off the land the flood sets N E by E,
and the ebb S \V by \\.
From Cape de Caux to Caen the flood sets S S VJ, and the ebb N N E.
Before the mouth of the river Orne, a S S E moon makes high tides ;
but within the harbour of Caen a S by E moon ; and likewise
Before the Isles St. Marcou, la Plougue, Barfleur, Cherbourg, and Cape la
Ha^ue.
From Cape la Heve to Barfleur the flood sets by the land E by N, and
the ebb W by S ; but more out in the Channel the flood sets E N E, and
the ebb W S W.
At Cape la Hague a S by E moon j and
In the Raz Blanchard, or Alderney Race, as well as between the islands,
a N by E, and S by W moon makes high water. The flood sets through
the Race N W ^ W, and the ebb S E 7 S.
The tides between the Islands of Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, and Sark, &c.
in the space of 1 2 hours make the whole tour of the compass ,- the moon in
the N by E and S by W makes high water.
[48]
At Granville, Cancalle, and St. Malo, and as far as the Isles of Bréhat
the tides rise very swift, and an east or west moon makes high water.
In the Road on the east side of Isle Bréhat the flood sets S S E : between
this Isle and Guernsey, as also between the Seven Isles and Guernsey, an
E S E and a W S W moon makes high tide.
Between the Seven Isles and the outer Rocks of Morlaix the flood sets
S E, but in the offing east and E by N.
At Morlaix and St. Pol de Léon a west and south moon ; but in the off-
ing athwart of these rivers, a S W by W, and a W S W moon makes high
tides, and
At the Isle of Bas a W by S moon ; in the offing the flood sets E N E,
and the ebb sets W S W, continuing the same course from this island to Ushant.
SOUNDINGS along the French Coast.
From the Straits of Dover to Cape Barfleur, the depth of water, in the
middle of the Channel, is from 25 to 30, 35, and 40 fathoms j sandy ground,
and near Barfleur, rocky ground.
From Boulogne to the south of river Somme, at 3 or 4 leagues off the
land, from 10 to 15 fathoms; sand.
Between Tréport and Dieppe, 5 or 6 miles off the shore, from 6 to 10
fathoms ; sand and marl : and farther off, from 16 to 18 fathoms sand mixed
with white marl or chalk.
At Cape Lailly, 5 or 6 leagues in the offing, from the N W to the N E of
the light-house, from 20 to 24 fathoms ; mixed ground, with pieces of red-
dish rocks, shells, gravel, and pebbles of various colours ; and nearer to the
shore, between 2 and 4 leagues from the light-house, from 18 to 20 fathoms,
same ground.
In the Little Road of Havre, from 3 to 4 fathoms ; pebbles and oysters
laid on clay ground.
.From La Heve to Cape Barfleur, from i8 to 20, and 23 fathoms; small
stones, grey, red, and black, like small beans, with very little sand ; and nearer
the land, from 12 to 15 fathoms; very fine sand.
[49]
From N W to north of Barflcur Light-house, 5 or 6 leagues ofF, between
35 and 40 fathoms ; rotten ground, with a rebounding lead. Three or 4
leagues from the said Light-house, between 28 and 30 fathoms ; coarse
gravel : and very near the shore, between 20 and 22 fathoms ; coarse brown
sand.
From Cape Barfleur to Cape la Hague, 2 or 3 leagues off land, from 28
to 30 fathoms ; coarse gravel and rotten shells : and near La Hague, rock)
ground.
Between the Caskets and Cape Barflcur, in the middle of the Channel, from
37 to 38 and 40 fathoms ; gravel and rotten shells, very fine ; a rebounding
lead.
Between Guernsey and the Caskets, from 35 to 40 fathoms ; rotten ground.
OfF the Caskets, to the S S E, 4 leagues distant, 38 fathoms; white shells:
to the W S \V ^ S, 4 leagues, 68 fathoms ; gravel and very fine rotten shells :
this sounding, called the North Pit, is about 2 leagues north of Alderncy.
From S S E to S by W, 6 leagues distant, 45 fathoms; grey and yellow sand,
with several red and black pebbles, and rotten shells.
Within Roche Douvre to St. Malo, from 30 to 35 fathoms; a sandy
ground : but between the islands of Jersey, Guernsey, and Sark, the depth is
from 25 to 30 fathoms, with various sorts of ground. Between Guernsey
and Roche Douvre, 40 fathoms; shining sand. About lo leagues W |- S
from Guernsey, there is a deep ground, or pit, called the South Pit, in which
you have from 72 to 80 fathoms.
OfF Guernsey to the Four and the Lizard, in the middle of the Channel,
from 45 to 50 fathoms ; generally flints and rotten shells, mixed with coarse
gravel.
Along the coast of Britanny, from the Seven Isles to the Four, 2 or 3
leagues off land, the depths arc from 40 to 45 fatlioms ; coarse gravel, and
small flints of divers colours.
H
[ 50 ]
COURSES AND DISTANCES.
From Blanc Nez to Cape Grisnez, S W 2 leagues.
From Cape Grisnez to St. John's Road, south i:|: league.
From St, John's Road to Boulogne, south 2 leagues.
From Boulogne to Dover, N N W 8y leagues.
' to the river of Etaples, south 4|- leagues.
From Etaples to the river Somme, south 6 leagues. •
From the river Somme to Tréport, S W above 4 leagues.
From Tréport to Dieppe, S W y W near 5 leagues.
From Dieppe to Cape Grisnez, N by E |: E about 20 leagues.
to Dover, N ^ E 24 leagues.
to Beachy Head, N W by N 20 leagues.
to Brighton, N W above 20 leagues.
to St. Helen's, N W by W ^ W 32 leagues,
to Cape Lailly's Light-house, west 27 leagues.
From Cape Lailly's Light-house to St. Vallcry en Caux, W by S 3
:agues.
From St. Vallcry en Caux to Fecamp, W S W near 5 leagues.
From Fecamp to Cape de Caux, W S W 23- leagues.
From Cape de Caux to Cape la Heve, S S W 4 leagues.
From Cape la Heve to Havre de Grace, S E ^ E about 1 league.
to Dover, N N E | E 35^ leagues.
to Beachy Head, N j E 25 leagues.
to St. Helen's, N W by N 28 leagues.
From Havre dc Grace to Honfleur, S E 2 leagues.
■ to Touque river, S by W :|: W 3 leagues.
■ to the river of Caen, S W ^ W 7 leagues.
From Houdeur to Touque river, S W by W above 2^ leagues.
From Touque to St. Sauveur sur Dive, \V S W 2|- leagues.
From St. Sauveur sur Dive to the river of Caen, W S W 2 leagues.
[ 5x ]
From off the river of Caen to the Isles St. Marcou, W by N nearly, about
12 leagues.
From the Isles St. Marcou to Cape Barfleur, N N W 4 leagues.
From Cape Barfieur to Cape la Heve, W by N ij^ leagues.
to Dieppe, E ^ N 30 leagues.
to Cape Grisnez, N E by E 43 leagues.
' ■ to Dover, N E 3- E 44 leagues.
to Beachy Head, N E |- N 28|- leagues.
to St. Helen's, N ^ E about 20 leagues.
to Cape Levy, west about 3^ leagues.
From Cape Levy to Cherbourg, S \V 2 leagues.
From Point Hommet, the westernmost of Cherbourg road, to Cape la
Hague, W N W above 4 leagues.
From Cape la Hague to Alderney island, west 2^ leagues.
to Portland Bill, the narrowest part of the Channel,
N W by N 16^ leagues.
• ^ to the Start, W by N f N 24 leagues,
to the Lizard, W -I" N 43 leagues.
to Carteret, S ;|r E 7-| leagues.
From Carteret to Portbail, S E near 2 leagues.
to Granville, S by E -^ E above 1 1 leagues.
From Granville to the Isle de Chausey, W by N about 3 leagues,
to Mount St. Michael, S by E y E 4 leagues,
to Cancalle Point, S W 4 leagues.
to St. Malo, S W by W near 7 leagues.
to Jersey, (St. Helier) N W near 10 leagues.
From Jersey, the S W point, to St. Malo, south 11 leagues.
From St. Malo to Cape Frehel, W N W 4 leagues.
From Cape Frehel to the north end of the Isles of Bréhat, W N W above
8 leagues.
From the Isles of Bréhat to the river of Tréguier, west 3^^ leagues.
From the river of Tréguier to Isle Tome, west 2^ leagues.
From Isle Tome to the Seven Islands, N W i league.
H 2
[52]
From the river of Tréguier to the point of Lanion river, westward 5
leagues.
From Lanion river to the river of Morlaix, westerly near 4 leagues.
From the west point of Lanion river to the Lsle de Bas, west ^^
leagues.
From the Isle de Bas to Abreverak bay, W by S ^ S yj leagues.
From Abreverak bay to the Four, S W by W f S 3 leagues.
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[53 ]
CHAP. III.
Directions for Sailijig on the C iast of France in the Atlantic
Ocean.
The FOUR.
X HE Four, " the oven," is situated on the westernmost point of the coast
of Bretagne. It is a huge black Rock, never covered, and shaped like an
oven, -whence it takes its name. This rock is a good \ league distant
from land, and is the chief mark to pass by the Isle of Ouessant, or Ushant,
to Brest, or the Raz de Fontenay, most commonly called Passage du Four :
it is distant from Ushant 3 or 4 leagues E N E and W S W.
Directions for sailing to the Island (t/" USHANT.
From the Four to the Point of Conquet the land runs 4 good leagues
southwards, with a number of rocks above and below water all along the
coast. But there are several rocks above water, which are wide of all the
rest, and along which you must sail at within one or two cables length, steer-
ing south, and S ^ E as far as Point Conquet, to which also you give a birth
of one or two cables length, and because of a rock under water, called La
Vinotiere, which is directly west of the point. When you have doubled
this point, and begin to open the port of Conquet, you must steer farther off,
on account of the rocks called Les Mulées, that lie south of Conquet, and
stretch a good way out into the sea.
LES P EATRESSES.
Two Icagvies to the S W ^ S of the Four, and above 2^ N W ^ W of Point
Conquet are some very dangerous rocks under water, called the Platresses ;
they lie about half way between the isles south of Ushant and the main land.
The marks when you are turning into this passage are as follows, viz. in )our
entrance or going out, at Point of Conquet you see too vailles, the western-
most of which is the larger; when you have brought St. Matthew's Cloister.
[54]-
ill a line vith the little valley, or a little more to the east, you are then near
the land, and must therefore tack about and stand to the west ; and when the
said Cloister comes a little without Point Conquet, you are immediately to
tack about to land, for should it fall two ships lengths to the west of Con-
quet Point, you are very near tlie Platresses. There is a mill directly E^ S
of them ; when this mill is bearing S E you are to the north of the Platresses^
and when it bears cast, you are to the south of those rocks.
Between the Platresses and the land are also two Rocks under water, hav»-
ing at least from 15 to 18 feet upon them at low water, spring tides, and
which have been discovered by the king's ships. The marks for these are, a
mill on the land, and a little tower that stands on the brink of the sea: when
you have brought these two in a line, you arc then directly abreast of the
nothernmost rock, called La Valbelle ; and when you keep the same mill
in one with a high rock, which is the most southerly of all those that ap-
pear above water, you are then abreast the southernmost rock, called Le
Tendéoc.
West of the Platresses, and about half way between them and the islands
south of Ushant, is a high rock, which appears like a ship under sail. This
rock is called La Haile, and from it to the isles is no passage, because of the
rocks between.
The isles to the S E of Ushant are seven in number ; and the last, which
is the southernmost, and called Beniguct, is distant from Ushant 3 leagues
S W, It is dangerous sailing about all these isles, both on the eastern and
western sides, because of the numbers of rocks that surround them. There
are however several channels, but they are known only to the inhabitants of
the place. West of these islands, and near a league off at sea, are two
banks of Rocks under water, which ought to be avoided by those who sail
near the coast.
Four leagues S S E of Ushant and 2 leagues W S W of the south end of
Beniguet, is also a bank of rocks under water ; and between this bank and
the Noires, two bulky rocks above water; about a league south of Beni-
guct Island, you meet with a number of rocks above and below water, which
are very dangerous, and should be carefully avoided.
155 1
South of the Noires is also a great rocky ledge contiguous to the above
rocks, and running near half a league to the south. To the east of the east-
ernmost of these rocks are several small reeù, at the distance of about two
cables length. The two rocks which I call the Noires (the black},* because
they are better known by that name, the inhabitants have named the
Bossevins. They are about a league west, inclining a little to the south of
St. Matthew's Point ; and Beniguet lies about ^ of a league to the westward
of Ochriste Church, which stands half way between Conquet and St. Mat-
thew. To the north of Isle Beniguet is a great rocky Bank, which runs
almost half a league northward.
BLANC SABLON.
To the north of Point Conquet is the Bay of Blanc Sablon, where you
may anchor in 8, 9 ,or 10 fathoms water, sandy bottom. Between this bay
and the point very near the land, a roek lies under water, named La Petite
Vinotiere. This coast must not be approached within a cable's length, nor
are you to keep wide of it more than two lengths, because of the Grand Vi-
notiere, another rock to the west of Point Conquet.
The tides are very strong in this passage, the flood setting north and the ebb
south; the moon in the W S fF and E N E points makes high water.
St. MATTHEW'S POINT.
From Point Conquet to St. Matthew's Point the land runs -^ of a league
south. Point St. Matthew, known by its light-house, has several rocks
above water, called Les Moines (the monks), and wide of them to the S W
are others under water, which stretch at least ^ league in the sea : ofl
St. Matthew's there is a passage between the former rocks and tlic land,
but very narrow ; and south of Conquet harbour, a ridge of rocks ex-
tends at least two or three cables length in the sea to westward : wherefore
when you come from the Four, and have doubled Point Conquet, you are
immediately to stand off from the western coast to avoid them, as v.'as before
directed.
• These are what the English sailors call the Black Rocks.
[56]
USHANT, or OUESSANT.
* Ushant, 3 leagues distant from the main land of Britanny, is a steep and
craggy island almost all round, i~ league in length N E and S W, and -f of a
league in breadth. It has a harbour on the S W end, but of difficult access,
and frequented only by the inhabitants. • A light-house stands at the entrance
of this harbour, and on the vS westernmost point of Ushant. The rest of the
island is almost surrounded with rocks, except on the northern side, where
there is also anchorage. Between Ushant and another small island, named
Oueler, which i^ very near it, a vessel lies sheltered from all winds.
ROCK, called the COCK.
From St. Matthew's Point to that of Bertheaume the land runs to the east
abqut 15- league, and, between the two, a good ^ of a league off the shore, is
the rock called the Cock. It lies direcdy to the north of the Parquette, hav-
ing between it and the land a passage in 10 or 12 fathoms water. In coast-
ing near the land, if you would pass wide of the Parquette, in your course to
Brest, you must keep Isle Beniguet clear of Point St. Matthew, so that you
may have it in full view, and steer thus till you have brought Point Ber-
theaume to bear north, after which you may stand to the cast.
BUZEC ROCK.
About I a league to the south of Point Bertheaume is the Buzec, a rock
very dangerous to large ships at low water. To avoid this rock you must
observe that on a small island to the west of Point Bertheaume there is a litde
tower, or beacon ; when you bring it in a line with another tower that stands
close to the shore in Bertheaume cove, directly north of the first mark, and
till two other small towers, which arc on the east point of the great cove of
Bartheaume are likewise in a line, you are then upon the said rock of Buzec ;
but if you do not bring these marks on with each other at the same time,
you are passing to the north or south of the said rock. There is also another
mark, which is of service only in clear weather : it is a tower on the south
shore of Poldavid bay, which must be brought on with a high steeple called
'•'^"■Mf
hiliii/hUik/il.Fiulai CfiaruiiiOo/sOcCi ij^3.
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[57]
Buzec, from the name of the rock. The anchorage in the road of Ber-
theaume is from 8, lO, to 12 fathoms; the bottom sand and mud, and you
are sheltered from the north, N E, and N W winds.
BAY of BREST.
. Those who would enter the Bay of Brest may range along both sides of
the coast, and have nothing to fear : but not in the middle of the Channel, on
account of the rocks called Les Fillettes, and the Mingan ; the former of
which are never uncovered but at spring tides ; and the other is always above
water, except at spring tides.
When you come by the north channel, you range along the north coast
without any fear; and in sailing through the south channel you must steer
along the south coast, keeping the castle of Brest in full view, clear of Pena-
leuch point. ^Vhen you have brought the two steep points of the land which
lie east of Camaret into a line, and have also the castle of Brest hid by the
point of Penaleuch, you are then upon the Fillettes. It is very dangerous
passing between the Mingan ;and the Paillettes, because of the rocks under
■water. \\''ithin the Bay of Brest you anchor where you please, in 8, 10, or
16 fathoms water, muddy ground. , , -.^ - ii&i 3I ■ ' 1 -t-i
It is high wafer there at half an hour after four o' clock, ati^JJ^e sea rises
^fathoms ( French measure) perpendicular.
CAMARET.
Without the Bay of Brest, on the south side, is the road' cf Camaret, in a
great cove, where the anchorage is from 8 to 10, fathoms, on a muddy, bot-
tom, and safe from the E S E, south, and S W winds. There is a little har-
bour in this cove, fit only for small ships, where they are sheltered from all
winds ; but it is dry every tide.
TOULINGUET ROCKS.
About half a league to the west of Camaret bay, is the cape of that name,
off which a number of rocks under water extend above a cable's length to
the S W. Without them is a high and big rock, called Toulinguet: you
I
[58]
pass between it and Camaret point, steering close by the rock, and from
thence standing away towards the Raz des Saints, or Raz de Fontenay, which
is ommonly called Pas.-age du Raz (the race channel). You may also piss
by the west of Toulinguet, keeping off it two or three ships lengtii. But
when you are past the south point of Toulinguet, you must steer two or
three cables length to the S E, to avoid the rock Le Bellen ; after this you
take vour course for the Raz.
LA PARQUETTE ROCK.
Above iq: league to the W S W of Point Camaret, and near i-| league
S S E of Point St. Matthew, lies La Parquette, a rock most commonly above
water ; when it is covered the sea always breaks over it, unless in an extra-
ordinary calm, or at the time of high water. Between this rock and Toulin-
guet you meet with nothing but rocks, mostly under water, and though there
are several passages between them, they arc known only to the inhabitants.
RocKS called Le Gouemont and La Vandree.
About -I of a league to the W S W of the Parquette stands the rock Lé
Gouemont, j a league due south of Point St. Matthew. About 4 or 5
cables length from this rock to the west, inclining a little to N W is another,
named La Vandree. These two rocks have at least between 12 and 13 feet
water upon them at low water, spring tides.
Les Basses du Lis and Le Menjan.
About a league due south of the Parquette are several rocks, named Les
Basses (the shoals) du Lis, from the ship Le Lis, which touched upon them;
before which accident they were unknown : at low tide they have at least 14
or 15 feet water ; and one league to the E S E of this rock is another, named
Le Menjan, which lies as deep as the other.
POINTE DES PEZEAUX.
Half a league and more to the south of Point Camaret is situated Pointe
des Pezeaux, which consists of steep cliffs. South of this point are 5 or 6
- C 59 ]
great rocks, which go by the name of Tas de Foin, for hay-ricks} on account
of their similitude to heaps of hay,
LE BEC DE LA CHEVRE.
Two leagues S E 5- S of Point des Pezeaux lies the point called Le Kec
de la Chèvre (the she-goat's bill) ; between them lies the bay of Dinan, which
is much to the east. Le Bec de la Chèvre is forked, and makes two
points, from whence project little banks of rocks, which extend a good
^ of a league into the sea.
Rocks called Le Bouc, La Chèvre, and Le Chevreau,
Above three quarters of a league N W of Le Bec de la Chèvre lies the
rock called Le Bouc (the goat); and above half a league north of this,
another rock, called La Chèvre (the she-goat). These two rocks are always
above water. Above half a league almost north of the Goat stands another
rock, named Le Chevreau (the kid), which is covered and uncovered,
every tide.
Bay of PoLDAViD, more commonly known by the name of
DOUARNENEZ BaY.
Within Le Bec de la Chèvre is the Bay of Douarnenez, which runs up 3
leagues within the land. The road of Poldavid lies at the south-easternmost
angle of it, under the town of that name, and the anchorage is in 6, 7, or 8
fathoms water. Poldavid is situated above 3 leagues S E ^ E of Le Bec de
la Chèvre.
From Poldavid to the Bec du Raz, (the race bill) the coast runs above 6^
Ict^gues to the W ^ N W. The land is all high and steep, and makes a
number of points, which project into the sea ; and some of them are beset
with rocks, which make it dangerous to range too near them.
From Point St. Matthew to the Raz the course is above 6 leagues south.
Due regard must be had fo the tides ;for at the opening of the bay of Brest
ihejlood sets to the N N E, and the ebb to the S S W.
I 3
C 6o ]
Rocks called La Vieille and La Platte.
West of Bee du Raz are a number of high rocks above water, the highest
of which, named La Vieille, (the old woman), stands farthest off the land.
Half a cable's length farther towards the sea is another rock, under water,
called La Platte (the flat). When you pass by the Raz you steer wide of
all these rocks, leaving the Old Woman two cables lengdi to the landward
of you.
Isle des Sains, Le Chats, and Le Cornet.
One league and a third westward of the Bee du Raz lies the Isle of Sains.
It is a very flat spot of land, but however inhabited by fishermen. Three
quarters of a league eastward of this isle, bearing a little towards the Old
Woman, are two ledges of rocks, of which the nearest to the island is named
Le Pont de Chats (the cat's bridge), and the other. Le Cornet (the horn).
The passage of the Raz lies between those ledges and the Old Woman, with
a depth of 14 or 15 fathoms water ; sandy bottom.
The tides arc here very strong; the flood bears to the north; the ebb to the
south ; and the moon in the S fV -^ IF, and N E\ E, makes high water.
LIVENET ROCK.
Three quarters of a league N E ^ N off the Isle of Sains, and a good
league - and half W N W from Bee du Raz, stands a high and big rock,
called Livenet, encompassed with a number of other rocks under water,
which require great caution in sailing from the Raz, especially as the current
sets over them.
STEVE NEC ROCK.
In sailing from the south, when you are under a necessity of turning in the
Raz, you ought to tack towards the land, because of the current just men-
tioned. Tliere is no passage between the Livenet and the Isle of Sains on
account of the Stcvenec.
ROCKS, called LE PONT DE SAINS, or SAINTS
From the Isle of Sains a great ridge, or ledge of rocks runs west and
JiifAM/J'A II' /. 1.101 lAm'v */■>«. Stft'i
•
[6i ]
W ^ S, about 3 leagues into the sea. These rocks are called Le Pont de
Sains, or bridge of Saints ; the greatest part of them lie under water, and the
other appear above it, according to the tides. The fardiest in the offing are
distant from Bee du Raz 4 leagues westward, bearing a little on the south,
and from Ushant near 9 leagues, about nordi and south.
The CHANNEL, called PASSAGE DE L'IROISE.
Between the isles which lie to the south of Ushant and the Raz is a large
channel, about 6 leagues wide, called LTroise, through which is the common
track for ships to and from Brest, &c. Its depth is from 40 to 45 fathoms ;
on a bottom of putrid shells, and mouldering pieces of old rocks.
The tides are here from 4 to ^ an hour after 4 o'clock ; the flood sets to
the N E, and the ebb to the S IV.
TIDES AND CURRENTS.
In the Passage du Four the currents are very strong ; the flood sets north,
and the ebb south; and the highest tides are when the moon is in the W S W,
or E N E.
At the opening of the Bay of Brest the flood sets N N E, and the ebb
S S W.
In the Bay of Brest the tides rise 5 fathoms perpendicular, and it is high
water at ^ past 4 o'clock. •
In the Passage du Raz the currents are very strong; the flood sets to the
north ; the ebb to the south ; and the highest tides are when the moon is in
the S W ^ W. and N E ^ E.
• In the Passage de ITroise the flood sets to the N E, and the ebb to the
S W ; and it is generally high tide at 4 o'clock, or \ an hour after,
SOUNDINGS OFF USHANT.
South South West,
At 7 or 8 leagues you find 55 fathoms, on a bottom of white, red, and
yellow sand, intermixed with bits of shells which resemble rind of cheese.
[62]
South West \ South of Ushant,
Between 1 2 and 1 3 leagues, from 70 to 75 fathoms ; coarse white and
red sand, with small worn-out stones.
South West,
From 8 to 9 leagues, 75 fathoms ; sand and decayed stones, with bits of
rotten shells.
Between 15 and 16 leagues, from 80 to 85 fathoms ; the bottom grey sand,
intermixed with small slate, and worn-out stones, and some bits of rotten
shells.
At 20 leagues, from 95 to 100 fathoms; grey and white sand, intermixed
with small chaff like bran, and little decayed stones and pieces of rotten shells.
South West ^ West,
At 7 leagues, 65 fathoms; sand, mixed with bits of thick rotten shells.
At 16 leagues, coarse white and yellow sand, mixed with flat and grey
little stones with glittering points.
At 25 leagues, from 100 to 105 fathoms; the bottom is a thick sand, as
coarse as small gravel, yellow and white, a little speckled with black, and
some small bits of broken shells.
West South West,
At 8 or 9 leagues, from 65 to 70 fathoms ; reddish and grey sand, mixed
with little decayed stones, nd bits of fine shells, and others like parings of
cheese.
From 15 to 16 leagues, between 75 and 80 fathoms; white, grey, and
yellow sand, with a mixture of bits of fine shells, and of others rotten.
From 23 to 24 leagues, from 90 to 95 fathoms ; white and grey sand,
pretty coarse, with httle bits of rotten white and yellow shells.
At 12 leagues, 70 fathoms; broken shells, mixed with a little sand, and
some awl-points.
West \ South,
At 5 or 6 leagues, 70 fathoms ; coarse red sand, and some awl-points,
with clear and rotten shells.
Between 15 and 16 leagues, from 80 to 85 fathoms ; grey sand and broken
shells.
[ 63 ]
At 20 leagues, from 85 to 90 fathoms; grey sand, with great pieces of
shells, and bits of smal' horns.
At 45 leagues, 95 faihom^; ; coarse rough sand, with a few red and white
shells, and some litde red stones.
IVest of Ushant,
At 6 leagues, 65 fathoms; sand mixed with rotten shells.
At 4 and 5 leagues, from 60 to 64 fathoms ; pebbles, rotten shells, and
some awl-points.
From 24 to 25 leagues, 85 fathoms ; rough, long, red, andyellow sand,
with some small points, and bits of sheHs.
At 30 or 35 leagues, go fathoms ; thick grey sand, with pieces of large
shells, little red and grey flints, and other bits of very fine shells.
IVest \ North,
At 5 leagues, from 65 to 68 fathoms ; yellow and white sand, with little
awl-points, and bits of fine shells.
From 16 to 18 leagues, 70 fathoms ; fine grey sand, with awl-points, and
some pieces of shells.
At 10 leagues, 75 fathoms; white sand, and barley chaff, with a few fine
broken shells.
West North West,
At 5 leagues, 65 fathoms ; grey sand, with small flat stones, awl-points,
and little shells.
Between 12 and 13 leagues, from 65 to 68 fathoms; fine white sand, with
some small stones, and a few broken shells and awl-points.
At 24 leagues, 70 fathoms ; very fine white and grey sand, with a few fine
shells, and awl-points.
At 55 leagues, on the little bank, called the Little Sole, that lies at the
mouth of the Channel, you have 60 fathoms of water ; fine yellow, white
sand, speckled with black. On each side of the bank the depth is 80 fa-
thoms ; white and grey sand, mixed with some yellow chaff.
North U est i West,
Between 15 and 16 leagues, from 65 to 68 fathoms ; fine sand, speckled
with black, mixed with a quantity of barley chaff, little wreathed shells, and
awl-points.
[64]
Noi:th IFestofUsbmt,
At 15 or 16 leagues, 70 fathoms; red sand, wiih a mixture of bits of
white and red shells.
From 18 to 20 leagues, in the same depth, you find white and grey sand,
mixed with little yellow and white motes, and some awl-points.
North JVest ^ North,
At 8 leagues, rough yellow and white sand, and barley chaff, with some
awl-points, and bits of shells.
North North West,
From t8 to 20 leagues, 62 1065 fathoms; small white, yellow, red and
black stones, with bits of red shells, and some awl-points.
From 15 to 16 leagues, 58 to 60 fathoms ; small red and white flints, with
a little grey and white sand, fine and clean, and some bits of rotten shells,
like rind of cheese.
North \ West,
At 9 or 10 leagues, 55 fathoms; grey sand, with flints of divers coloufs.
From 15 to 16 leagues, 55 fathoms; the ground a mixture of all sorts of
broken shells, and small white, grey, and yellow stones, with barley chaff,
and awl-points.
COURSES AND DISTANCES.
From Ouessant, or Ushant, to the Caskets, N E by E 40 leagues.
From Ushant to St. Helen's, N E by E -§• N E 67 leagues.
■ to Portland, N E a little to the N 50 leagues.
to the Start Point, N N E a little to the N 35 leagues.
to the Lizard, N by W j N N W 27 leagues.
to the Land's End, N N W | N W by W 33I leagues.
to the Scilly Islands, N W ^S^ leagues.
— — to St. Matthew's Point, S E 4|- leagues.
to the Passage du Raz, N N W 9-I leagues.
£65 2
CHAP. IV-
Directions for SaiJiitg on the Coast of France in the Bay ov
BiscAY, or Gulf of Gascony, from the Raz o/Tontenay to
FONTARABIA.
PORT AUX CABESTRANS.
A ROM the Raz of Fontenay to Port aux Cabestrans the course is E S E 2
leagues. This harbour is a great Creek, at each point of which is a rock
uncovered at low water : between these two rocks lies the passage into the
Road, for though they give it the name of Port, it is no more than a bye
place, where ships never anchor but in case of necessity.
HOD I ERNE.
From Port aux Cabestrans to the Harbour of Hodierne the coast runs
E :ç S 15: league. Hodierne is a tide Port, which can be entered only at
high water ; but when once you are within it, you lie sheltered from all
winds. Before it lies E S E and W N W a great rocky Bank, called the
La Gamette, distant from the shore a quarter of a league. Ships pass be-
tween this bank and the land on the east as well as the west side, by steering
near the shore. East of this port stands a very high church, and the town
of Hodierne is situated on the west side.
At the foot of the Cliffs, it is high water at 4 o'clock, or a little less.
PEN M ARK ROCKS.
From Hodierne to the Rocks of Penmark the coast runs S £ a little south-
erly, and forming a great bay. It is all high land till within a small distance
from these rocks, where it sinks into a valley, on which you see a town and
several churches. At full |: of a league from this town a great number of
rocks are above and under water, with some passages between them for
barks and small ships; but very difficult, and known only to the people of
the place. The whole length of the coast from the rocks to the river of'
K
[66]
Pont l'Abbé, which is 2 great leagues from Penmark, is full of banks and
rocks, which extend near a league in breadth,
RIVER DU PONT L'ABBE.
The river of Pont l'Abbé is but little frequented, and accessible only at
high water. It is almost barred with banks, which leave but a very small
channel ; but when once you are got within, you find it wide enough, and
affording anchorage under the shelter of a little isle called L'Isle Tudy.
Tbc tides are from 0,^ to 4 o'clock, as they are also at the Pen mark rocks.
The RIVER OF OUIMPER.
A league from the River of Pont l'Abbé to the E :|: N is Quimper
River. The whole length of the coast between these two rivers is bordered
with rocks, which reach two cables length into the sea. Quimper River
is broad enough ; but a good quarter of a league without it, to the south of
the entrance point on the east side, lies a rock under water, which requires
caution : therefore, in entering you ought to approach the west side rather
than the east, not only on account of this rock, but also of several other rocks
at the same point : but when you are got between the two points, you re-
approach the eastern side, till you arrive before a town called Benauder, and
anchor in 6 or 7 fathoms water.
The tides here are from ^~ to 4 o'clock.
C O N C A R N E A U.
From the Rocks of Penmark to Concarnenu the coast runs 5^ leagues to
the east. All along the shore are numbers of r. cks, which project two and
three cables length into the sea. There are aho several others above and
under water, at the entrance of the harbour of Concarneau on both sides,
which leave only a small charniel in the middle. The marks to enter this
harbour are, a Castle that stands on the east side within which you bring in
a line with a mill farther up in the country ; then you may anchor before
Concarneau in 4 or 5 fathoms water.
The tides are at above 4 o'clock.
[67 ]
ISLES OF CLE NAN.
About 3 leagues to the south of Concarneau harbour, you meet with the
Isles of Glenan, which are a cluster of small islands, making a good haven,
where a ship may lie under cover from all winds ; but the entrance is diffi-
cult. These isles are encompassed on the south and west with a number of
rocks, above and under water ; but the north side is clear enough : you may
sail between the main land and Glenan, the largest of them, by steering nearer
to that island; and there you may also anchor in lo or 12 fathoms water.
There are, however, several rocks under water by the shores of these islands,
and it is not safe to pass that way, especially if you are not well acquamted
with it.
ROCK, called LA JUMENT, or the MARE.
A league and one third S S W of the west point of Glenan stands the rock
called La Jument, which is almost perpetually under water; but the sea, on
the least swell, breaks over it. You may come close by it, as there are 40
fathoms water ; but it is better to pass at a distance, because the Glenan
islands rocks stretching very near to the Jument, render the channel very
narrow and dangerous.
ISLES AUX MOUTONS, or SHEEP ISLANDS.
To the E N E of the east end of the Glenan's are situated the two Sheep
Islands. Between them and the Glenan's lies a small rocky bank under
water, which must be avoided by passing not above ^ of a league off Glenan,
because of the rocks which lie near the westernmost island, and extend ^ a
league in breadth on the west side. Along these islands, towards the south,
are many rocks under water, but on the north or land side they are clear,
and one may anchor in 10 or 1 2 fathoms water. At i|- league to the E N E
of these isles is a large black rock a small league off the main land. You
may pass abreast of it without danger, as it is clear all round.
PORT LOUIS.
From Concarneau to Port Louis the coast runs E |- N 8 leagues. Port
K 2
[ 68 ]
Louis is an excellent harbour, with a very good citadel, and a town on the
eastern side, and a large village on the west. Eut without the port, towards
the east, are a multitude of rocks under water, which render its entrance
rather difficult. The mark to enter it, is to bring the edge of the citadel in a
line with St. Catherine, which is a little convent within the river or bay, on
the same side as the city, upon a point projecting into the sea, and directly
to the east of St. Michael's island. When you are got within the citadel,
you cast anchor in 5 or 6 fathoms water, or else run aground under the town,
to the north of it, if it be high tide ; for at low water you cannot come
imdcr the town, the place being dry at every tide.
It is high water here at 4 o'clock ^, on the days of new and full moon.
L'ORIENT.
L'Orient is situated about ^ of a league above Port Louis, at the bottom
of the bay, which is formed by the confluence of the Plotscorf and Blavet
rivers. It is the place from whence the whole Asiatic trade of the French
is carried on.
Instructions for the Entrance of Port Louis and L'Oriknt, by Mens.
D'Apres de Man n evillette, author of the Neptune Oriental.
Whether you weigh from the Isle of Groix, or are coming from the offing
to pass to the westward of the Truyes (the Sows), and the Errants, which
they call the Great Channel, you are to steer so as to keep the tower of
Larmor N E ^ E 5^ E by compass, till one of the mills standing to the east-
ward of Port Louis is hid by the southernmost part of the town walls, and
the other is well open ; by this means you will sail in the mid-channel be-
tween the Saisies of Larmor and the Sows. Keeping those marks on, as
soon as you are so far advanced as to perceive the high land of Pennemanec
in one with the westernmost corner of the citadel of Port Louis, you will
steer in that direction till the west point of St. Michael's is brought on with
a White Mark which lies to the westward of the storehouses of L'Orient's
harbour; this will carry you safe between the Mare, on which stands a beacon,
and the foot of the citadel.
c
[ 69 ]
From this situation you may clioose which of the two channels is most
convenient, either to the westward of St. Michael's, or between St. Michael's
and St. Catherine. In the first case you are to proceed in this tract till
Queroman's Mansion-house is brought in a line with the Miller's White-
house that stands by Oucroman's windmill, near the shore ; leaving on your
starboard side a rock, on which there is only 12 feet at low water, spring
tides, and on your larboard side another rock, called the Hog, which is
known by a beacon upon it. Thus you will pass between the Turk's bank
and the Quernevel* bank, till you have the White Mark of the store-house
(already mentioned) in one with the single house that stands on the beach ;
you steer in this manner till athwart St. Michael's, and then proceed for the
road of Pennemané, leaving on the starboard hand the rock named Paugarne,
or Quintrec.
In the second case, if you are to pass between St. Michael's Island and
St. Catherine, when you find yourself in the situation mentioned above, you
perceive the corner wall of St. Catherine's Garden in one with a White House
that stands in the middle of Nezenel town ; steering in the direction of this
mark, you come athwart tlie southernmost end of St. Catherine's, and then
you range along the whole of the place in such a manner as to leave -f- of the
channel towards St. Michael's, and J- towards St. Catherine's ; this tract is
to be followed till you discover a little wood in the neighbourhood of Port
Louis, called Querbel, through the hole of a causeway, or stone bridge,
which communicates from St. Catherine's to the main ; in steering thus
Pangarne rock beacon is left on the starboard side ; and when you have
passed it a ship's length, you steer for the road of Pennemané. It is to be
observed, that with a ship drawing above 21 feet water, you cannot make
for this road but at high water, spring tides ; in this case you are to anchor
at Port Louis.
When you pass to the eastward of the Errants (by the middle channel)
you must, from as great a distance as you can, bring the tower of L'Orient
in one with the westernmost bastion of the citadel of Port Louis, and steer-
* Mons. D'Après calls this bank Querso in his Plan.
C70]
ing thus, you leave on the larboard hand the rock called Errants, and on the
starboard hand the rocks of Bastrene, on which there is a buoy. Sailing on,
in this direction, the Three Stones are left on the larboard, and when you have
proceeded so far as to bring a fountain, seen on the beach of Gavre, in a line
with a single tree, that stands on the same part of the peninsula to the N east-
ward of die village, then you are to steer keeping Larmor windmill on with
the two houses which are nearest to the extreme point of Larmor. By
this tract you come into the Great Channel at the point from whence
you perceive the high land of Pennemanec in one with the westernmost
corner of the citadel of Port Louis, and then you follow the instructions al-
ready given.
The third entrance, which they name Gavre Channel, is only fit for small
vessels ; its mark is to keep Larmor windmill in one with the two houses
which are nearest to the extreme point of Larmor, to get into the Great
Channel at the point mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
It is high ivater betiveen Port Louis a?id L'Orient at 4 o'clock ^, on the
days of neiv and full moon ; and the perpendicular rise of the water is i^feet
in spring tides.
G R O I X, or G R O U A I S.
Directly fronting Port Louis, 2 leagues to the south of it, lies the Isle of
Groix, near i-^ league in length, E S E and W N W, with several trees and
houses on it. Between this isle and the land, but nearer to the land, is a
bank with only 12 or 13 feet on it, at low water; the anchorage is, between
this bank and the isle, in 10, 12, to 15 fathoms, on a bottom of sand
and little pebbles resembling coral. Groix Island is very clear all round,
except on the S E side, where you meet with a bank of rocks, which stretches
.i- a league in the sea. These rocks are called Bout des Chats (the cat's end}.
QUI BE RON.
From Port Louis to Quibcron Point the coast runs S E above 5^ leagues,
being all low land, with downs between: about halfway is a big rock above
water. At Point Quiberon is a ledge of rocks, which reaches to the isle of
Houat.
"W^Wf lOnem
/WA^Aa/H- f^J'.^tm.OÙTBtf ubise shall be within the
said village, or in a line wi h the mill that is above it, yoii arc near the rock
called Banc aux Huitres (or oyster bank), which lies directly before the
mouth of the haven. After this steer S E ^r S, till you bring the western-
most steeple of Hiers in a line with the westernmost Sandy Hummock, on
which there is a gibbet, and keep it thus while you are sailing S S E inwards ;
and when the steeple shall come to you by the eastern side of the valley
which is in die wood, hold them so, and entering by these marks, proceed
till you come before Brouage.
The tides are at 4 o'clock, and the currents very strong.
To go to Seudre, or to pass through Maumusson, it is necessary to have
the country pilots ; for these channels arc not very steady, and particularly
that of Maumusson. They change very often, and are besides very wind-
ing and narrow, with a multitude of banks and rocks, which cannot well be
described.
O L E R O N.
The Isle of Oleron is above 5^ leagues in length, S E and N N W, and
2 leagues over in the broadest part. It is almost entirely surrounded with
banks, and therefore it is not safe to approach it too near. On the southern
side between the point of Maumusson and the end of Oleron are several
banks, which almost bar the passage, and leave generally but a very narrow
channel, and shifting very often. This passage is called Passe, or Pertuis
de Maumusson.
General Directions for sailing in between the Isle 0/" Oleron, Isle
D'A IX, and Isle de Re', by an English Officer.
The leading mark to avoid the shoals on the west side of the Isle D'Aix,
is to bring Fort Madam open with the S W point of the island, then the said
point will bear S S E. Keep the mark a handspike's length open, and you
will have 7 or 8 fathoms water : this mark will do for an eastern turning
mark. For your western turning mark there is a spire steeple on the main,
to the southward of Brouage steeple (which is also a spire steeple); keep it a
M 2
[84]
large sail's breadth open with the southernmost point of Oleron, and that
will bear S by E. Observe not to approach Oleron nearer than 12 or 11
fathoms water ; nor Isle de Ré nearer than 6 or 7.
ROCHE BONNE, and LES BANCHES VERTES.
About 14 leagues W ^ N of the northern point of Oleron, and 8 leagues
southward of the eastern point of Isle d'Yeu, lie 2 rocky banks, called Roche
Bonne, and Les Banches Vertes. These rocks appear even with the water at
low tide. The first bank is above 1 league in length, and the second near f
of a league. They are near each other, and there is a passage between them,
with sufficient depth for the largest ships ; however, they are very dangerous,
and require great caution.
From Oleron, or the entrance of Maumusson,«to Point la Coubre, it is
necessary to keep off at sea a little wider, because of several points of banks,
stretching off from the Isle of Oleron, which must not be approached within
15 or 16 fathoms water. Then you may sail near the coast of Arvert,
if you choose to pass through the Petite Passe, which is along that coast,
and must steer very close to the shore till you are got within the river
of Bourdeaux. This passage is very narrow, having no more than i-^
fathom, or 2 fathoms water, and serves only for barks which enter that
way with the tide ; but it is very inconvenient, as high winds make there a
great swelh
Sail'mg Instructions for the Entrance of the Gironde, or River of
Bourdeaux ; by Mons. M agin. Engineer to the French Navy.
The entrance of the River of Bourdeaux is easily known by a fine
light-house, commonly called Tower of Cordouan, which is of the
greatest utility in lighting ships during the night, and being their guide in the
day-time.
Tlie disposition of the rocky and sandy banks which lie at the mouth of
this river, makes five channels, through which the vessels enter, viz. the
Channel of Charantais ; Channel of N4atelier, or of Saintouge ; Channel of
Lescameau ; Channel of La Porte ; and Channel de Graves.*
L^
f
/
•
r
L^5l
To enter by the Ciiannei. of CHARENTAIS.
The Tower* of Cordouan, and the Wooden Tower on Point. la Coubre,
are necessarily to be seen in order to make your way with safety between the
Grand Bank of Matelier and the banks of Point La Coubre; the bad situa-
tion of this channel ought to make it at all times to be avoided ; but in case
you should be forced to go through it, you are to sail towards the Tower of
Cordouan S ^ E till you bring the Wooden Tower to bear east ; then steer-
ing S E 5^ E, to pass 5: of a league without Point La Coubre, you continue
that course till the Wooden Tower is bearing N ^: W, and from thence you
steer S E :^ S, keeping Point Grave a little open, lu this track when you
shall have the Tower of Cordouan to S W, you will be past the English
Bar, which is a very dangerous shoal ; but all that part of the river beyond
it, from Point Terre Negrc to Royan, is clean, with deep water.
If a ship was obliged to make boards, she ought, after having passed Point
La Coubre, to keep between the N W g: N, and the S E 5: S of the Wooden
Tower, having the same bearing with Point Grave. This precaution is ne-
cessary to avoid the English Bar, and to remain at a proper distance from,
the rocks of Cordouan, where the current catches generally the ships wl^ich
come too near them during the ebb, or at half tide going down.
To enter by the Channel of MATELIER.
This Channel having from 25 to 26 feet at low water, may be entered by
the largest ships ; when you come from the northward you are to steer to-
• This tower, the most magnificent light-house in Europe, has been erected by order of
Henry IV. it was began in 1584, by Louis de Foix, and finished in 161 1 : its height vvas
169 feet, French measure ; but in 1727 the upper part of it being found calcined, at that
time, by the force of the fire, an iron lanthorn, in the form ot a dome, was substituted in
its place. Tliis lanthorn is supported by four strong iron pillars, the whole being 22 teet
high, so that the present height of the tower, and lanthorn taken together, is 175 feet.
The diameter ot this vast labnc, ii 20 fathoms, and 5 feet, French measure, and the gate
opens to the E S E. The fire-place on the top holds 225 pounds of coals, which being
lighted every night, when the sun sets, continues burning till his rising next morning.
[86]
wards the Tower of Cordouan S E ^ E, and to «sail in this direction till you
see the two beacons, or marks, in one, which are on Point La Coubre : then
keeping them on, you sail till within ^ a league of the land, where you change
your course, as in the Channel of Charentais.
We have supposed, in the courses just described, that the two beacons on
Point La Coubre had been seen ; but as it is seldom that you can see both of
them at such a great distance, we will give other directions for the course,
provided you see only one of the beacons, or the breakers of Point de
Cuivre,
1. If in sailing to the S E ^: E, towards the Tower of Cordouan, you should .
descry but one of these beacons, you are to continue the same course till
you bring this same beacon E N E, and keeping it in that direction, you
pass within 5: of a league of Point de Cuivre, from whence the same course
is to be followed till within 3 a league of the land ; and then you proceed as it
has been explained in the Channel of Charentais. — 2. If in hazy and dark
weather you could see none of the two marks on Point La Coubre, you
ought to steer for the Point de Cuivre, which is always known by its breakers
being more heavy than the others.
After you have approached the Tower of Cordouan, at the distance of 3
leagues S E ^ E, the breakers of Point La Coubre will bear N E 1 league,
and Point La Coubre E N E. Then you are to shape your course to '
E N E, and to sail within 5- of a league of Point de Cuivre. In this track,
when you have brought the Tower of Cordouan to bear S E ^ S, you are
to steer so as to bring the breakers of Point de Cuivre to the W j;- S and
E ^ N, and then to continue the same course till within j a league of the
land, to proceed afterwards as it is explained in the Channel of Charentais.
If a ship coming from the offing would enter by the Channel of Matelier,
she could steer towards the Tower of Cordouan, east, or E :|- N, or E N E,
or N E ^: E, or N E ; but wc advise to prefer the E 4: N.
If you have steered E :|: N towards the Tower of Cordouan, this course is
to be continued till the Church of Soulac is bearing S E :|: E. Then you
steer north to get a sight of the breakers of Point Cuivre, after which you
proceed as it has been said before.
[87 3
The CHANNEL OF LESCAMEAU.
This Channel is very narrow, and is made use of only on account of the
sure marks they have on shore to direct the course between the Matte and
the Mauvaise, which are to be ranged along at a very litde distance. These
marks are the Tower of Cordouan, die Breakers of Point de Cuivre, the
Steeple of St. Palais on with the beacon, or that Steeple a sail's breadth open
with the Wood.
When you enter by this Channel, you are always to get a sight of the
Breakers of Point de Cuivre, and to approach them within ^ a league, bring-
ing the Tower of Cordouan to bear S E ^5: S. Then your course must be
shaped so as to bring St. Palais Steeple on with the Beacon, or a sail's
breadth open with the Wood. As soon as you have them in that direction,
you steer towards them, and keep them on till the Tower of Cordouan re-
mains to S S W ; then you will have no difficulty to proceed to the road of
Verdon.
The CHANNEL OF LA PORTE.
This Channel has the least water of any, and is badly situated, on account
of the Tower of Cordouan, which you are to range along very near. Its
marks are the Point Grave on with the south part of La \'aliere Point ; but La
Valiere Point being seldom distinguished at such a distance, the Channel is
often entered with the help only of the compass, and of the computed dis-
tance of the Tower of Cordouan : if necessity should oblige you to go through
it, you are to steer E :5: N for the Tower of Cordouan, continuing this course
till Soulac Church is bearing S E -j S ; then you sail towards Point Grave,
keeping to the E 5: S, and taking care that when the Tower of Cordouan is
bearing north, your distance is to be no more than 5^ of a league from it : you
will then steer to the east, giving to Point Grave a sufficient birth to
double it.
CHANNEL DES GRAVES.
The marks for this Channel are the Church of Soulac on with the beacon;
the Tower of Cordouan ; Point Grave -, Royan, its Windmills ; and the
Castle of St. Palais.
[88]
From whatever part you come to enter this Channel you are always to shape
your course towards the Church or the Windmill of Soulac, between E S E
and E g: S, or towards Soulac's Church brought on with the beacon. This
course is to be kept till the Tower of Courdouan is brought to bear between
N E^ N and N N E; then you steer towards Grave Point, keeping it E N E
till the Tower of Cordouan remains to N W. This bearing will bring you
within i-f of a league from the shore, which must be coasted along at this
distance, till you are past Ruffiat, after %\hich you take a greater:, offing to
round Grave Point with greater safety.
They often pass between the east Matte of the Chevrier and Ruffiat ; in
that case you must steer towards the Castle of St. Palais. As soon as it is
bearing N N E, and when, during this course, the Tower of Cordouan is
brought to bear W N W, you go on, keeping Royan's Mills E :g: N till you
have doubled Grave Point.
When ships have sailed beyond this point they generally come to an an-
chor in the road of Verdon, or in that of Royan. The marks for the best
anchoring grounds are, St. George's Windmills on with the middle of the
two Sand-downs, called Terrier de l'Attache, and St. Peter's Church of
Royan on with the Point, or Meche's Windmills to the E ç N.
When you set sail from the road of Verdon to go to Bourdeaux, you steer
towards Meche's Windmills, keeping them S E ^ E, and this course is con-
tinued till you see the steeple of St. Peter's Church of Royan in one with
La Valiere Point ; then shaping your course south, you avoid the Marguerites,
the Banks of Tallemont, and Talais, and that which is called Le Bec de Jau.
On the new and full moons it is high water to the northivard of the Tower of
Cordouan at 30 min. after 4 o'clock, and to the south of it 15 min. later.
The perpendicular rise is 14 or 15 feet, and in the neap tides otily 7 or 8 feet.
The tides during the months of May, June, and even a part of July, are very
small ; the Magdalen tides (the 2 2d of July ) are often as high as those of the
equinoxes, which rise to 1 7 or iSfect. The winds have a great influence on the
tides ; and in general you may depend upon a good tide ivben it blows strong
into the river-, and a lesser one must be expected with a strong wind blowing
towards the sea.
[89]
N. B. All the bearings mentioned in these instructions are by the com-
pass, whose west variation is now about 21° 15'; this variation has been ob-
served to increase westerly about 10' every year.
Continuation of the Course /o Bourdeaux, by Tiv Bocage.
When Pouillac, known by its steeple, is on your west, you must then stand
E S E till you come before Blayc, leaving the isle on your larboard. You
are obliged to anchor at Blaye, for exhibiting a bill of your cargo. The
passage between Pouillac and Blaye is somewhat shallow, and it is good to
take an hour or two of the tide with you, when you have a ship that draws
above 8 or 9 feet.
When you sail from Blaye to Bourdeaux, you must steer along the
northern coast, always keeping in 3, 4, or 5 fathoms water : but when you
come before the mouth of the Dordogne, you stand off to the Three Isles in
the middle, the easternmost of which is the biggest. You leave them all on
your starboard, coasting near them till you are within the eastern point of
the entrance of the Dordogne, on which stands a gibbet. You must then
proceed in your course, nearer to the northern than to the southern coast, as
far as the four little houses ; from whence you must range along the southern
coast as far as the tower of Dublot ; then steering S E i E by the point of
Lermont, you pass between two banks, one of stone on the larboard, and
the other of sand on the starboard. This channel is called the Pass, and is
the shallowest of the river; for at low water it has not above 7 or 8 feet
water, and you must wait for the tide to go over it. When you are before
Point Lermont, at a small distance, you steer S W ^ S till you approach the
western coast, by which you keep till you arrive before Bourdeaux, where
you anchor in 4, 5, or 6 fathoms water.
Coast of ARCASSON, and River of ANCHISE.
From the river of Bourdeaux to Arcasson the coast runs 17^ leagues
southward ; it is all low, even, and sandy land. Half way is the little river
of Anchise, capable only of small vessels; it is of difficult access, and dry
every tide ; wherefore it is very little frequented.
N
[ 9° 3
A N E or a S W moon makes high water, which is at 3 o'dockyn the
days of the new and full moon.
BASSIN D'ARCASSON.
Before the Bassin of Arcasson there are several banks, which block up the
entrance, and leave only tvfro little channels, one along the northern point of
the harbour, and the other to the south of the isle which is in the entrance
within the banks.
When you enter by the northern channel, you bring the northern point
N E :f £, or N E, and steer thus till you approach the point, near by which
you pass. When that is passed, you continue steering N E^E and EN E
to the point of the southern shore, which is within the said harbour, at which
you make a little tack because of a small sandy hook, which projects a little
wide off that point, and should be avoided. When you have doubled that
point, you steer along close by the southern shore, as the lead guides, and
cast anchor where you please in 10 or 15 fathoms water, or farther inwards
in 3 or 4 fathoms.
A little to the north of the northern point of the entrance into this haven,
is a bank, which extends W ^r S at least 4 a league into the sea. This bank
may be approached within 3 or 4 fathoms water.
Southern Ciiannei., called the Passe du Papon.
In order to pass southwards of the isle which lies before the Bason of Ar-
casson, you must steer by the banks, with the lead in 4, 5, and 6 fathoms
water, till you come in view of two great masts erected on the land ; you
must bring these in one, and keeping them on you steer by them till you are
within the isles, which you may leave on your larboard, that is to say, on
the north. These marks lie nearly E N E, bearing a litde to the N E ^ E.
When you are got within theisles you must steer N N E, a little northerly,
as far as the southern point within the harbour, where you must tack about,
because of a sandy point which projects from it, and must be avoided.
When it is doubled, you must steer along the southern shore, and anchor
where you please, as aforesaid, for dicrc is water enough on that side ;
[ 90 ;
though both entrances of this Bason have not above 2 or 3 fathoms water
at low tide.
Tl^e tides are at \ after 3 o'clock, at nc-v and full moon.
One may easily descry the Banks of Arcasson when near them, for the sea
breaks there continually, and it is very easy to approach them with the lead,
as they rise gradually : wherefore in fair weather you find no difficulty in
sailing near them by the help of soundings.
The marks to know when you are near Arcasson, arc a low, level land,
destitute of trees, on the north side of its entrance j and on the south side
high downs, which appear like little mountains.
B A Y O N N E.
From the entrance of Arcasson to the mouth of the river Adour, which
runs through Bayonne, the coast runs 21 Feagues south, the land all low and
level, except some litde downs, covered with pines and other trees, which
appear more elevated than the rest.
The river of Bayonne lies between two sandy hillocks, very level. On
the southern shore are erected two great masts, or sea-marks, which you must
bring together, and so steer till you are within the river. On the same side,
to the S E, stands a little wooden jetty, by which you sail, leaving it on your
starboard ; continue to range along the southern coast closer than to the
northern, till you arrive before the city, that is to say, below the bridge,
where you anchor in 4, 5, or 6 fathoms water.
The bar of Bayonne being very subject to change, you are obliged to take
a pilot for getting safe over it. The sea also is very rough, and at low
water is not above 3 or 4 feet deep, so that there is no entrance but at high
water.
The tides set NE and S IF, that is at 3 o'clock, or a little later.
St. JEAN DE L U Z.
From the Bar of Bayonne to St. Jean de Luz, the coast runs near 3
leagues S S E ; the whole land is of a moderate height on the sea shore, but
farther inland you see nothing but high mountains, and among the rest those
N 2
[ 92]
of St. |can de Luz, which are the highest of all. St. Jean de Luz is situated
at the farther end of a bay, which afibrds anchorage in 5, 6, 7, or 8 fathoms
water ; but the bottom is full of rocks, which cut the cables. There are two
harbours at St. Jean dc Luz ; one under the town, that is dry every tide ;
the other at the western side of the bay. To enter the harbour under
the town, it is necessary to pass between St. Jean de Luzand Siboure, which
is another town on the western side of that harbour. The entrance is very
narrow, and only practicable at high water ; besides it will admit none but
small ships of i5uor 200 tons at most, which draw 11 or 12 feet.
The harbour on the western side of the Bay of St. Jean de Luz is called
Socoa. It is dry every tide, but however receives all the great ships be-
longing to the place, and shelters them from all winds, though it be thought
expedient to fasten and secure them with four cables from the great surge,
which happens whenever the sea is ruffled by the N W, north, or N E
winds ; these make a very great swell in the Bay of St. Jean de Luz, which
is communicated, by the rebounding of the waves, to the harbour of Socoa.
The marks to know St. Jean de Luz are a high tower, situated on the ex-
tremity of the eastern point of the bay, and on which a fire is lighted ; and
on the western side, above Socoa, is a house placed, which is a signal for
that bay.
J'be tides here are N E and S E.
TIDES AND CURRENTS.
At Hodierne, River du Pont l'Abbé, Ouimper River, and Concarneau,
it is high water from ^: after 3 to 4 o'clock.
At Port Louis it is high water at 4 o'clock on the days of the new and
full moon.
yVlong the Cardinal Rocks the currents are very strong ; and the moon in
ilic N E ^ E, or S W ^ W, makes high water.
At the entrance of the rivers of Vannes and Auray it is high water at 45
mill, after 3 o clock, on the days of the new and full moon; and the tide sets
S \V J- W, or N E i E.
,\t the mouth of the river Vilaine the tide rises ij or 2 fathoms perpendi-
, C 93 ]
cular ; and on the days of the new and full moon, it is high water at 45 min.
after 5 o'clock, "
At Croisic the moon in the N E ^ E, and S W :|- W, makes high water.
At Nantes, in the river Loire, the currents are very violent ; and tlie muon,
like at Croisic, in the S W -J- W, or N E :- E, makes high water.
At Noirmoustier, and the bay of Bourgneuf, it is high water at 4 o'clock
on the days of new and full moon.
At the Isle d'Yeu there is commonly a great sea, and the tides set N E
and S W.
At St. Gilles it is high water when the moon is in the N E or S W points.
In the harbour of Olonnc the tides set N E and S W 3 hours.
In the Pertuis d'Antioche it is high tide from ^ an hour after 3 104
o'clock, at the new and full moon.
At Brouage the currents are very strong, and it is high water at 4 o'clock.
At die mouth of the river of Bourdeaux the currents are very strong, and
within the river the tides set N E and S W.
On the coast of Arcasson a N E or a S W moon makes high water, which
is at 3 o'clock on the days of the new and full moon.
In the Bassin of Arcasson, on the days of the new and full moon it is high
water at ^ after 3 o'clock.
At Bayonne the tides set N E and S W ; it is high water at 3 o'clock, or
a little after.
At St, Jean de Luz the tides set also N E and S W,
Account of the Depths of Water and Nature of the Ground, from
the Beg du Raz to the Mouth of the River of Bourdeaux ; by M,
Du Bocage,
Two leagues S W of the Raz, you have from 25 to 26 fathoms water;
very fine grey and white sand.
Twelve leagues west of Audierne, 60 fathoms; grey and white sand.
Ten leagues west of L'Etoc de Penmark, from 65 to 68 fathoms; grey
sand.
[94]
Five leagues S W ^ S from the said place, from 60 to 62 fatboms ; fine
slimy sand.
Seven or 8 leagues south of Glenan, from 50 to 55 fathoms ; grey sand,
speckled with black.
Ten leagues south oj the Isles aux Moutons, 60 fathoms ; the ground as
the preceding.
, Five or six leagues S W ^ S from Bellc-isic, 55 fathoms ; coarse mixed
gravel, mostly red and glittering.
Ten leagues S S E from Belle-isle, 40 fathoms ; all a mixture of grey sand,
and putrid pebbles, with shells of all sorts, and some awl-points.
Twelve leagues south of Belle-isle, 70 fathoms; grey and slimy sand.
Ten leagues south of Belle-isle, 6^ fathoms ; brown and muddy sand.
Eight or nine leagues W -^ S from Belle-isle, 65 fathoms ; same ground.
Seven leagues S W from Belle-isle, 60 fathoms ; same ground.
Four leagues S W -|- W from Belle-isle, 55 fathoms ; same ground.
Between Belle-isle and Isle d'Yeu, from 25 to 28 fathoms : coarse red sand.
Four leagues S W -^ S from the Pillier, 18 fathoms; a mixture of coarse
red sand, and some clear flints, with a small quantity of fine shells.
Five leagues N W ^ W from Isle d'Yeu, 26 fathoms ; thin red sand,
somewhat spotted with black, and some awl-points.
Three or four leagues west of Isle d'Yeu, 31 fathoms ; coarse red sand,
with a small quantity of bits of shells.
Three leagues S ^ E from Isle d'Yeu, 26 fathoms ; coarse red gravel, clear
and shining.
Between Isle d'Yeu and Isle de Ré, 2 or 3 leagues off the land, from 25
to 28 fathoms ; red sand.
A league and a half W N W of the tower of Aix, 12 fathoms; coarse
red sand.
Six or seven leagues west of Isle de Ré, 35 fathoms ; red vermilion sand.
Five leagues W S W of the Pertuis of Antiochc, from 32 1034 fathoms;
red sand.
One league west, and W N W of the Asnes de Bourdeaux, 12 fathoms;
grey sand.
L95:\
All along the coast of Oleron, at a league's distance tVom the shore, from
18 to 20 fathoms ; grey sand.
SOUNDINGS in the BAY of BISCAY, taken by command of the King of
Fra?ice, and published by order of the Nuval Minister ; by Mans. Magin,
Engineer of the Navy.
I. Sounding, in Lat. 4%^ 23' 30". Long. 3° 12' 45".
92 Fine grey sand, pricked with black.
106 Fine grey sand, mixed with small shells and broken bits.
110 Grey sand, mixed with bits of brown shells.
108 Grey sand, mixed with bits of shells and brown gravel.
117 Grey sand, mixed with bits of shells and gravel.
104 Grey sand, mixed with shells and gravel,
no Grey sand, mixed with small cornet shells.
108 Sand, mixed with gravel, shells, and small cornets.
1 08 Whitish grey sand, mixed with stones as big as beans, others less, flat,
brown, and whitish.
100 Sand of a whitish grey, mixed with bits of shells and fine cornets.
98 Coarse sand, mixed with bits of cockle-shells.
go Whitish grey sand, mixed with bits of shells, and some brown and
yellowish small stones.
84 Whitish grey sand, mixed with barley beards.
80 Whitish grey fine sand, mixed with bits of thin shells, and fine cornets.
79 Whitish grey sand, mixed with barley beards, and fine small shells.
75 Fine grey sand, mixed with bits of shells.
75 Whitish grey sand, spotted with red, and mixed with bits of shells.
70 * Whitish coarse shining sand, mixed with fine shells.
* The sounding at 70 fathoms, that is, 6 leagues to the west of Ushruit, has been found
to be oi" small fine pebbles, and small brown stones, mixed with fine cornets and awl-points.
The sounding at 72 fathoms, that is, 4 leagues N by \V of Ushant, has been found to
be of fine grey sand, mixed with bits of fine shells, with the rind of cheese, awl-points, and
fine coi nets.
[ 96 ]
65 Whitish coarse shining sand, mixed with barley beards and corals.
64 Whitish grey coarse sand.
II. Sound. Lat. 48" 12' 40". Long, i» 35' 25".
108 Whitish grey sand, pricked with black, and cockle-shells.
106 Grey sand, mixed with ground shells.
105 Grey sand, mixed with cornets, gravel, and shells.
105 Sand, mixed with yellow, and bits of shells.
103 Sand, mixed with bits of shells, small stones, and gravel.
77 Grey sand, mixed with bits of shells, and small stones.
go Grey sand, mixed with bits of shells, cornets, and coral.
85 Grey sand, mixed with bits of shells of divers colours.
80 Grey sand, mixed with bits of shells.
III. Sound. La^ 470 47'. Long. 1° 22 ^".
163 Very fine grey sand, mixed with small fine shells.
105 Coarse sand, mixed with bits of shells, and with small black and brown
stones.
100 Ground shells, mixed with gravel, and shells like barley straw.
92 Ground shells, mixed with very fine small shells, and with small stones,
and a little barley straw.
80 Sand, mixed with small stones like coarse gravel, and a few small shells.
80 Sand, mixed with bits of fine shells, and barley straw.
76 Bottom like bran, mixed with very fine cornets.
72 Bottom like bran, mixed with shells and cornets.
70 Sand, mixed with bits of fine shells, and onion peels.
52 Whitish grey sand, mixed with barley beards.
56 Coarse sand, mixed with fine shells.
44 Fine grey sand, at if leagues northward black stones.
IV. Sound. Lrt/. 47° 44' 50". Long. 1° Y ZE!'- '
105 Sand, mixed with bits of shells, and gravel of divers colours,
t to Fine sand, mixed with bits of shells.
C 97 ]
115 Sand, mixed with bits of fine shells.
110 Grey sand, mixed with bits of fine shells.
88 Grey sand, mixed with gravel.
85 Grey sand, mixed with gravel of various colours.
82 Grey sand, mixed with gravel.
77 Grey sand, pricked with black.
65 Grey sand, pricked with black.
51 Fine sand, pricked with black.
44 Rocky ground.
V. Sound. Lat. 47° 25' 50". Long. 0° 4' 15" east.
100 Coarse sand of a whitish grey, mixed with ground shells, and small
white ones.
96 Coarse sand of a whitish grey, mixed with small shells.
99 Coarse sand of a whitish grey, mixed with bits of shells.
88 Whitish grey sand, mixed with bits of shells, and fine cornets.
85 Grey sand, mixed with fine shells.
79 Brown sand, a little muddy.
80 Grey sand, mixed with fine shells.
•jS Grey sand, pricked with black. -'
75 Coarse bottom, mixed with muddy sand.
68 Brown mud.
61 Grey sand, a litde muddy.
. 6i Soft and yellowish mud.
56 Brown mud.
50 Brown mud.
38 Gravel, coral, and shells.
VI. Sound. Lat. 47° 20'. Long. 0° 23' 15" east.
107 Ground shells, mixed with very fine small shells.
95 Very fine brown sand, mixed with bits of shells, and small flat stones,
go Coarse sand, spotted with yellow, mixed with bits of shells, and long
slender cornets.
O
[98]
88 Coarse sand, spotted with yellow, mixed with bits of shells and cornets.
85 Fine sand, a little yellowish.
85 Slate colour sand, mixed with very fine shells, and small flat stones of
divers colours,
77 Fine yellowish sand, mixed with bits of shells.
75 Fine yellowish sand, with white spots.
75 Fine sand, a little yellowish.
70 Soft mud.
6^ Fine sand, a little yellowish.
58 Soft mud.
45 Gravel and coral.
23 Pebbles of divers colours.
A Continuation of the VI. Sound. To begin at the Point A.
73 Fine grey sand, a little slaty, and fine shells.
70 Small gravel, mixed with stones as big as beans, and with bits of fine
shells,
67 Fine sand, a little yellowish,
60 Fine muddy sand,
65 Coarse sand, mixed with small flat stones, and with bits of shells.
58 Muddy ground.
53 Muddy ground,
VII. Sound. Lat. 47° 8', Long, o" 43' 45" east.
107 Coarse sand, mixed with fine yellowish cornets.
92 Grey sand, mixed with fine yellowish cornets.
87 Grey sand, mixed with fine cornets.
87 Grey sand, mixed with fine cornets.
8'2 Gravel and shells.
70 Coarse brown sand,
VIII. Sound. Lat. 46' 57' 18". Long, o' 54' 35" east.
95 Fine brown sand, mixed with bits of shells and coral.
[99]
86 Fine brown sand, a little muddy.
80 Fine greyish sand.
80 Fine sand, mixed with bits of shining shells.
75 Fine, but muddy sand.
72 Fine brown sand, mixed with bits of fine shells.
70 Pine yellowish sand, pricked with black.
61 Brownish gravel, mixed with flat stones.
47 Coarse sand and gravel, mixed with small stones.
45 Gravel.
45 Brown gravel, mixed with bits of shells.
IX. Sound. Lat. 46' 54'. Long. 1" 22' 15" east.
90 Gravel, mixed with small brown stones, and fine cornets.
82 Fine grey sand, but a little muddy.
80 Fine sand, but a little muddy.
75 \'^ery fine sand, mixed with small stones.
72 Fine grey sand.
6-j Fine, but muddy sand, mixed with bits of shells.
60 Coarse sand, mixed with stones as big as beans. ■
40 Fine sand, mixed with bits of shells, and small pebbles.
30 Gravel.
20 Sand, mixed with gravel, and bits of shells.
18 Grey sand.
15 Rocky ground.
X. Sound. Lat. 46° 35'. Long. 1° 19' 50" east.
148 Fine sand, mixed with fine cornets.
90 Fine sand, mixed with cornets.
88 Fine grey sand, mixed with very small and slender cornets.
85 Whitish grey sand.
80 Gravel and shells.
78 Fine grey sand, pricked with black.
73 Fine whitish grey sand.
O2
68 Fine grey sand, pricked with black.
60 Thin mud.
47 Fine brown sand,
44 Brown mud, mixed with bits of shells.
30 Gravel, mixed with bits of shells.
XI. Sound. Lat. 46° 2^'. Long. 1" 4g 15" east.
90 Whitish sand, mixed with grey, and with small stones of divers colours.
86 Small greyish gravel.
83 Gravel, mixed with small stones.
78 Small reddish gravel.
73 Fine grey sand, mixed with a little mud,
68 Fine sand, mixed with a little mud.
60 Very fine sand, mixed with thin mud,
55 Fine grey sand.
48 Fine sand, but a little muddy.
40 Reddish sand, mixed with gravel, and small stones.
29 Grey sand, pricked with black.
24 Grey sand, pricked with black.
1 8 Grey sand, pricked with black.
XII. Sound, Lat. 46° 5'. Long. 2" 13' 30" east.
go Brown sand, mixed with fine cornets, and bits of shells.
82 Grey sand, mixed with small fine cornets.
84 Gravel, fine shells, and ground shells.
78 Gravel, mixed with small stones.
79 Very fine grey sand.
75 Fine brown gravel.
68 Fine grey sand, but a little muddy.
60 Muddy bottom.
38 Pebbles and gravel.
39 Coarse gravel, mixed with small stones.
30 Flat rocks, and small stones.
[,Ol]
30 Grey sand, mixed with small stones.
26 Grey sand, a little pricked with black.
26 Sand, mixed with many bits of shells.
24 Fine grey sand.
16 Fine grey sand,
i6 Grey sand.
XIII. Sound. Lat. 45° 50'. Lo?ig. 2° 21' 15" east.
92 Fine brown sand.
78 Fine sand, mixed with bits of shells.
72 Sand, mixed with coarse gravel, and bits of shells,
68 Coarse brown sand, mixed with bits of shells,
66 Fine brown sand.
65 Coarse brown sand.
50 Yellowish sand, pricked with black.
45 Fine gravel, spotted with black.
37 Very fine sand, mixed with bits of shells.
23 Gravel, mixed with small stones of divers colours.
18 Fine sand, pricked with black.
Continuation of the XIII. Sound, To begin at Point B.
89 Fine grey sand, mixed with small cornets.
80 Fine whitish grey sand.
78 Coarse brown sand.
75 Fine brown sand.
64 Sand, and black mud.
52 Coarse sand, spotted with black.
40 Coarse sand of divers colours, mixed with bits of shells ; the whole of
a brown colour.
32 Coarse sand, mixed with bits of shells.
24 Coarse gravel.
18 Rocky ground.
C I02 J
XIV. Sound. Lat. 45° 20'. Long. 2° 51' 15" east.
90 Fine brown sand.
86 Fine brown sand.
81 Fine brown sand.
71 Fine sand, but a little muddy.
C9 Fine brown sand, mixed with bits of shells, and fine spiral cornets.
64 Coarse brown sand
52 Fine brown sand.
46 Fine sand, but a little muddy.
■ 35 Fine brown sand, but muddy.
26 Grey sand, a little pricked with black.
21 Fine brown sand, but a litde muddy.
Continuation of the XIV. Sound. To begin at the Point C.
68 Fine grey sand.
62 Fine grey sand but a litde muddy.
49 Fine brown sand.
44 Fine brown sand.
38 Coarse sand, mixed with small olive-coloured stones.
33 Gravel, mixed with stones.
32 Gravel, mixed with stones.
XV. Sound. Lat. 45"" 9' 15". Lor^g. 3' 22' 15" east, .
80 Very fine yellowish sand, pricked with black.
75 Yellowish sand, pricked with black.
65 Fine greyish sand.
55 Yellowish sand, pricked with black.
46 Fine brown sand.
38 Yellowish sand.
33 Sand, and black mud.
22 Fine grey sand. 5
C 103 }
XVI. Sound. Lat. 44° 52'. Long. 3° 48' 15" east,
85 Fine grey sand, but a little muddy.
62 Fine grey sand, but a little muddy.
30 Fine yellowish sand.
XVII. Sound. Lat. 44° 43' 50". Long. 3" 44' 15* east.
1 10 Very fine greenish sand, or gravel. *
80 Very fine sand, but a little muddy.
55 Very fine sand, but a little muddy.
35 Very fine brown sand.
XVIII. Sound. Lat. 44° 7' 20". Long. 3° 46' 10'' east.
85 Very fine sand, but a litde muddy.
68 Very fine mud-coloured sand.
34 Small stones of various colours.
XIX. Sound. Lat. 43° 56' 35". Long. 30 43' 10" east.
90 Very fine sand, but a little muddy.
80 Very fine sand, but a little muddy.
70 Very fine mud-coloured sand.
50 Very fine mud-coloured sand.
COURSES AND DISTANCES.
From the Raz of Fontenay to Port aux Cabestrans, E S E 2 leagues.
From Port aux Cebestrans to the Harbour of Hodiernc, E ^ S 15:
league.
* About 3 leagues to the west of this bouuding, and 12 leagues distant from the coast,
lies the Bank of Arcasson, near 5 leagues in length from north to south, and z\ leagues in
width. The depth of wafer upon this bank is from 10 to 15, 17, 20, and 2Z fathoms;
sandy ground. — Note of the Editor.
Urn-]
From Hodierne to the Rocks of Penmark, S E, a little southerly, ^^
leagues.
From the Rocks of Penmark to the River of Pont I'Abbe, along the coast
above 2 leagues.
From the River of Pont I'Abbe to the River of Quimper, E ^ N 1
league.
From the Rocks of Penmark to Concarneau, east nearly 5§ leagues.
From Concarneau to the Isles of Glenan, south 3 leagues.
to Port Louis, E :^ N 8 leagues.
From Port Louis to the Isle of Grouais, south 2 leagues.
to the Point of Quiberon, S E 5-j leagues.
From Point Ouiberon to the Isle of Houat, south 2 leagues.
From the Isle of Grouais to Belle-isle, S S E 5 leagues.
From the east Point of Belle-isle to the Cardinals, east 3 leagues.
From the east Rock of the Cardinals to the mouth of the Rivers of
Vannes and Auray, N :^ W 5 leagues.
From the east Rock of the Cardinals to the mouth of the River Vilaine,
N E by E 6 leagues.
From the River Vilaine to Croisic, south 4 leagues.
From Belle-isle to Croisic, east 9 leagues.
to the Bay of Bo ngn uf, E S E 14^ leagues,
to Isle d'Yeu, S E by E i5-j leagues.
From Isle d'Yeu to St. Gilles, east 5^ leagues.
■ to the Harbour of Olonne, S E by E near 8 leagues.
to the N W end of Isle de Ré, S E ^ E i2|-
leagues.
From the south Point of Belle-isle to Isle de Ré, S E nearly 28
leagues.
From Point Sablanccau, in Isle de Re, to the Isle of Aix, S E by S 4
leagues.
to the Town of Oleron, S by E
6^ leagues.
From Isle d'Aix to the mouth of River Charente, S E li league.
[ 105 ]
From Belle-isle to the Tower of Cordouan, S E, a few degrees to the
south, 43 leagues. ^
_ — to the Bar of Bayonne, S S E southerly 77 leagues.
From the Tower of Cordouan to the Bassin d'Arcasson, south 17
leagues.
From the entrance of Arcasson to the mouth of River Adour, on which
stands Bayonne, south 21 leagues.
From the Bar of Bayonne to St, Jean de Luz, S S E 3 leagues.
[ 106]
CHAP. V.
Directions for Sailing along the Coast of France in the Medi-
terranean, /rom Cape de Creux to Antibes.
CAPE DE CREUX.
v>APE DE Creux is easily known by a high tower; and near 3 leagues to
the N W of it lies the Bay of Lansan, in which there is good anchorage,
under the town of the same name in 7, 10, 15, or 20 fathoms water, in pro-
portion to your distance from tVie shore. About 2 leagues northward from
Lansan, lies Port Vendre, where you may anchor in 10, 15, or 20 fathoms,
under the town.
One league northward of Port Vendre, is the Port of Collioure, frequented
only by small craft ; from its north cape the coast runs above 1 league to the
east, and then it trenches 9^ leagues almost north, to Cape Romaniou, which
lies to the south of the entrance into the Port of Narbonne.
From Cape de Creux to Narbonne the land is of a moderate height, and
one may anchor all along by it, as also before the entrance of Narbonne.
But these are very bad roads ; for when the east or S E winds blow, they
make such a swell that none will anchor there but in case of great necessity.
•CETTE.
From the Port of Narbonne to Cette the course is E N E near 12 leagues;
the land between forms a great bay, and is of a moderate height. Above
4 leagues W by N of Cette lies the Rock of Brescon, or Brescou, on which
is built a fort, and which is quite surrounded with shoals that stretch oflF near
^ of a mile. The Cape of Cette is easily known by a round mountain upon
it, and N E of it the land is all low, and level with the water. There is a
port under the Cape of Cette, close to the own, fit to receive ships that
draw 8 or lO feet water. All along from Cette as far as the Tower of Bouc,
or to the Martigues, the land is almost as low as the sea, forming a number
c
f^
[ 107]
of isles, through which the Rhone discharges itself into the sea. Above 7
leagues from Cette is situated the town of Aiguës Mortes, on the brink of a
salt-pond communicating with the sea ; but ships very rarely anchor there,
because of the banks near those shores, the approach of which is to be avoided
as much as possible, for the tides very often bear upon the land, and upon
the banks. When you come from the Cape of Agde to Marseille, and the
wind sits E S E, or south, you must take care of being driven within the
bight of Aiguës Mortes by the currents, which bear north and N W with
great violence, whence frequent shipwrecks happen in these parts. The
whole of that space is called Gulf of Lyon (from the city of that name),
but the generality of sailors, on account of the frequent shipwrecks which
happen there, call it the Gulf of Lions. When you are bound from the
aforesaid Cape of Agde to Marseille, with the winds at S E or S W, and it
happens to be night, or foggy weather, you must have frequent recourse to
your lead : if at 2 or 3 leagues distance from land, widiin this Gulf, you find
ground at 30 or 40 fathoms, you are immediately to tack about towards the
coast of Catalonia ; for along that coast, as well as the coast of Roussillon,
the tides bear south along the land.
It is remarkable that the tides make the tour of the whole Gulf of Lyon,
bearing to the north along the coast of Provence, to the west along the coast
of Languedoc, and to the south along the coast of Catalonia. And when the
wind is N W, which they call Maestro, the tides are the very reverse ; for
along the aoast of Catalonia they bear to the north ; to the east along the coast
of Languedoc ; and to the south and S SE along the coast of Provence.
M A R T I G U E S.
From the Cape of Agde to Marseille the course is about 28 leagues east.
On the N W side of the Bay of Marseille, about qj leagues distant from the
city, lies the Haven of Martigues, capable of large ships. At the entrance of
this port stands the Tower and Fort of Bouc. Coming from the open sea,
or from the S E, wiihin the Haven to enter the Port of Martigues, it is
proper to steer along close by the main land, because of some banks at the
end of the Isles Piquets, which stretch above a great league into the sea,
P2
[ io8 ]
These isles are very low, and on one of them is a white tower, which looks
like a ship under sail.
MARSEILLE.
From Cape de la Couronne to Marseille the coast runs about 6 leagues
E S E, the lands between them all burnt and grey. The Cape de la Cou-
ronne is low, and rises with a gentle ascent to Marseille, near which nothing
is to bè seen but high mountains. The city of Marseille affords no pro-
spect from the sea ; nothing appears but two citadels at the entrance of the
port, one situated at the north, and the other at the south, on a little hill.
The Bay of Marseille is very extensive, and contains three isles of a good
bigness, at the middlemost of which ship$. anchor j but the ordinary place of
anchorage is between the two biggest, called St. John's and Ratonneau,
which have each a small fortress. The third, which lies between those isles
and the continent, is the most considerable, because it has a good castle upon
it, called Chateau d'lf. There is very good passage between all those isles;
but between Chateau d'lf and the shore of Marseille lies a rock directly in
the middle of the channel. When you repair to Marseille by this passage,
you are to steer hard by Chateau d'lf, till you are past the said rock, after
wliich you fall in with the city, and go and cast anchor at the entrance of the
port ; for the Port of Marseille is never entered with flying sails. There
are also two small isles opposite to Chateau d'lf, and very near the land, be-
fore which you may anchor in 8 or lO fathoms water. You may also an-
chor between them and the land, by mooring to the said isles, and having
also an anchor on the side towards Notre Dame de la Garde. From Mar-
seille to Cape Croisette, which is the southernmost cape of the entrance of
the Bay of Marseille, is 2 leagues; between them is the Road du Veaune.
Above 2 leagues eastward of this Cape is a little flat isle, encompassed quite
round with banks of rocks, on which is erected a tower, seen at a great dis-
tance, before the said isle, which is level with the water. The isle is called
Planicr. There is anchorage almost every where within the Bay of Marseille.
L A C I O T A T.
From Cape Croisette to La Ciotat the course is to the east about 4 leagues.
c
C 109 J
the shore all high, and burnt cliffs. Three leagues from this Cape, and 2
leagues northward of Cape de l'Aigle, or Cape of La Ciotat, is the litde
town of Cassis, which has also a small haven. The town of La Ciotat is
seated in the bottom of a bay, at the entrance of which, eastward of the
Cape, lies a small island, called Isle Alerte. Within the bay is the anchorage
of La Ciotat in 8 or 10 fathoms water. On the eastern side of the isle lies
a bank, on which there arc not above 9 or 10 feet; for this reason, when
you enter by that side, you must leave two-thirds of the water towards the
isle; but afterwards, when you are got within, you come near the isle, and
cast anchor in 8 or g fathoms ; sand and mud : the western side is the finest
channel, but it is good, however, to steer nigher the continent than the
isle, because it is deeper. There is a mole at La Ciotat, where ships lie
under cover, when they are unloaded, but cannot reach thither with their
cargoes, for want of water.
TOULON.
From the Cape de l'Aigle to Cape Sicie the course is 4-I leagues S E;
and between these two capes are the roads of Bandol and Brusc, where ships
may anchor pretty safe. From Cape Sicie to Cape Cépet the course is 2
leagues N E by E. In these two courses it is all low land along the shore,
widi many windings ; but farther inland you see nothing but dry and parched
mountains, except where their tops are covered with woods. There arc
numbers of rocks, above and below water, along this coast, for which reason
it is proper to steer a little wide of it, and never approach it too near. Cape
Sicie' is very high and steep, and has two small islets, or rocks, called the
Two Brothers. At the foot of this Cape, on the eastern side, lies a great
sandy cove, called St. Elme's Road, very low. As you pass before this
place, you have a prospect of the city of Toulon, and of the ships in the
road, and many take it for the entrance of Toulon, which, however, is a
league to the east of this cove. The Bay of Toulon is 1^ league broad,
and about 2 in depth. On the N W side it winds in a cove, whence it is
entirely shut up, fur the points cover each other ; and when you arc before
the city of Toulon, you can see nothing of the sea, but what appears above St.
Elme's Road, which is near Cape Cépet, as abovementioned. The Bay of
Toulon is clean throughout, except at the point of the Great Tower, where
there is a small bank that projects a little into the sea. There is anchorage
every where in this bay ; but the common place of anchoring is between the
Great Tower and the city, which is called the Little Road; there ships ride
in 6 or 7 fathoms water, on a bottom of mud, and under cover from all
winds.
ISLES D'HYERES.
From the Bay of Toulon to the Isles of Myeres the course is above ^^
leagues S E. These isles are six in number, every one of a good height.
The chief, which is the nearest to Toulon, is called Isle Ribaudin, and has a
small casde on it. There is no passage between this island and the continent;
and the land, on which are several salt pits, is very low. Between this isle
and the second isle, called Ribaudas, there is a passage for barks ; but be-
tween this same isle and the Isle Porquerolles, 1} ing >o ibe east of it; this
channel, which is named the Petite Pass, has from 8 to lO fathoms. Near
Porquerolles are some rocks that extend a iiitie to the N W ; wherefore it
is advisable to steer nighest to Ribaudas, or eise to keep the mid-channel.
Porquerolles has a casde well garrisoned, with good anchorage under it, as you
find it every where after entering the Bay of Hyercs, where you make to-
wards the town of that name, in lO or 12 fathoms water: the town of Hyeres
lies northward of Isle Porquerolles. About 3 leagues eastward of this town
lies Isle Berganson, which must not be approached too near, because of
some rocks under water, which lie a great g: of a league wide of it. There
is a fort on this isle, which bears its name, and has very good anchorage
under it, on its western side. Above 1^ league east of Porquerolles are
situated also three islands, the first and smallest of which is called Bagneux,
Between this and Porquerolles is the Grand Passe, or Channel, into the Bay
of Hyeres. The second island, separated by a small channel, ^ of a league
wide, ill which are 15 fathoms water, is called Port Cros. Between this and
Cape de Jienat, on the continent, is the eastern Channel, or Passe de Levant,
which is about i4 league wide ; the best and easternmost island of the Hyeres
is called Isle de Levant, or Du Titan, and is about ^ a league distant from
TiMuhtd b V W.Fadm. Oku-uty Ov*a Oot^xj.jj^S.
r
*r IF.J\i.lin. iTiuTUUf tfiw. l'fl-'i'^IÎJd
[ill]
Port Cros. To the eastward of the Isle de Levant lie several rocks under
water, running off about i mile, and which must be avoided. From the
N eastern side of the Point of Isle de Levant to Cape Taillar, the course is
3 leagues N N E, but a little more easterly than the course, lies a rock under
water, which is very dangerous. Wherefore when you come from the east,
and intend to anchor at Hyeres, you are to steer nigher to Cape Taillar than
to the Isle de Levant, till you are got to the west of the Capes ; after which
you sail at large as you please, in 40 or 50 fathoms water, till you come
within Breganson Fort. Between Cape Taillar and Cape Benat stands a big
rock above water; and under Cape Taillar lie a number of islots and rocks:
northward of the same cape there is good anchorage in 15 or 16 fathoms.
SAINT TROPEZ.
From Cape Taillar to Point St. Tropez the coast runs above 2~ leagues
towards the north. There are many rocks along this coast, and mostly
under water. There are also two huge rocks above water, and remote from
all the rest. St. Tropez is situated on the southern side of the Gulf or Bay
of Grimaud, in which bay there is very good anchorage in 6 or 8 fathoms,
GULF OF FRÉJUS.
From Point St. Tropez to the western point of the entrance into the Gulf
of Fréjus, the coast runs i league N N E, the land between it very high.
At the western point of the entrance of this Gulf lies a rocky bank, reach-
ing from the eastern side, and extending a great way within : and between
the extreme of this bank and the eastern shore, lie two small islands, between
which you pass to go to Fréjus, You anchor in the Gulf of Fréjus in 1^
or 10 fathoms water, according to your distance from shore ; and there you
are sheltered from all winds, except those of the south,
CAPE ROUX,
From Cape Fréjus to Cape Roux the coast runs above 2 leagues to the
northward ; the land between is very high. Cape Roux is very lofty,
steep, and dry, appearing wholly covered with great red and broken rocks.
[112]
ROAD OF GOURJAN. or GOURGEN.
From Cape Roux to the Isles of St. Margaret and St. Honorât the coast
runs about 2 leagues N E 5: N. The land being every where mountainous,
and dry: these isles are very flat and level; Isle of St. Honorât is the
smallest, and farthest from the continent ; they are inhabited, and St. Margaret
has a good citadel. They are very clean, except St. Honorât, which has a
rocky spit that runs a good way into the sea on the southern side, and re-
quires a tack of above 4 a league ; you may sail all round them to go within
the Gulf de la Napoule, or to anchor under the fortress, which is on the
north side ; the ground is good every where.
From this Isle of St. Margaret to the Cape de la Garoupe the distance is
1^ league : the gulf between is called Le Gourgen, in which there is very
good anchorage every where. Cape la Garoupe is of a moderate height,
and has a chapel 011 the top, called Notre Dame de la Garde, or Notre
Dame d'Antibe. From this point runs out a rock under water, which runs
into the sea a cable's length, or more, and requires caution. Half way be-
tween the said isle and cape, in the fair-way, lies another rock under water.
All these roads afford anchorage in 6, 7, or 9 fathoms water.
Sailing Directions for Gov R J AN Road, by tbe late. Captain John Clark,
of the Royal Navy.
" From the Point of St. Margaret's Island to the Point of Cape de la
Garoupe, it is about 4 miles E by N, and between these two points there is
a large bay, which is called the Road of Gourjan, where several ships and
gallics may ride. This road is easily known, viz, by the islands of St. Mar-
garet, when you come from the westward ; and by Cape de la Garoupe (upon
which stands Our Lady of Antibes) when you come from the eastward.
" It is necessary to observe, when you come from the westward, to anchor
in Gourjan Road, that you should not range too near the eastern point of
Isle St. Margaret, because of some rocks that lie near it. Almost in the
middle of the Road there is a rock above water, like a great boat, called the
Jioute of Gourjan ; and south and north from this rock, there are two rocks.
hibUfh^t t^ H'-f-'.fùtt i^i/ùitf I'/tfii Mi /?'/,-y.I -
/^
almost level with the water, each distant from it about 80 fathoms, and upon
which the sea breaks sometimes : these dangers excepted, )'ou may range
pretty near the Boute, there being 5 or 6 fathoms water to the westward of
this rock ; so that you may pass as near as you can in mid-channel between
the Island of St. Margaret and the Boute, though there is a great space be-
tween, and 10, 12, and 15 fathoms water.
" You may likewise pass between the Boute and Cape Garoupe, the space
there being greater, but you must not go too near the first point of the Cape,
as at a cable's length from it there are some rocks under water : almost half
way between the Boute and the Cape, there is a shelf of sand with 5 fathoms
upon it. Great ships must pass by the Island of St. Matgaret, or else near
to the Boute.
" After you are past the Boute, you go and anchor in the bottom of the
Bay, over a great square tower, called the Tower of Gabelles, standing on
the sea side, where you will be within a small cannon-shot of the shore, in 5
or 6 fathoms j the ground sand and mud. Ships likewise anchor against this
tower, but a little farther out, and within the Boute, in 15 or 18 fathoms
water. The winds that incommode you most in this road are the south, and
S E winds ; when the wind is at N W, you may anchor over against a large
point to the westward of the tower, which is called Cane * Point, and there
carry moorings ashore ; you are there in 5 or 6 fathoms water."
A N T I B E S.
The town of Antibes is situated about j a league to the north of Cape dc
la Garoupe, and has a port with 13 or 14 feet water. Without this port lies
a small bank of rocks, with only 10 feet upon it. It almost bars the harbour,
and a vessel cannot pass between it and the western shore ; but must stand
off to the east, and steer nigher to the eastern side of the shore than to that
on the west,
* Probably the same with Point la Foucade.
o
COURSES AND DISTANCES.
From Cape de Creux to Lansan Bay, N W 3 leagues.
From Lansan to Port Vendre, north 2 leagues.
From Port Vendre to the entrance of Narbonne, northward 1 1 leagues.
From the entrance of Narbonne to Cette, E N E 12 leagues.
From the Cape of Agde to Cette, E N E above 3 leagues.
From the Cape of Agde to Marseille, east 28 leagues.
From Marseille to Cape Croisette, south 2 leagues.
From Cape Croisette to La Ciotat, east 4 leagues.
From Cape de l'Aigle to Cape Sicie, S E 4|- leagues.
From Cape Sicie to Cape Cépet, N E by E 2 leagues.
From the Bay of Toulon to the Isles of Hyeres, S E 3:^ leagues.
From Cape Taillar to the Point of St. Tropez, north 2^ leagues.
From the Point of St. Tropez to the Gulf of Fréjus, N N E 1 league.
From Cape Fréjus to Cape de Roux, north 2 leagues.
From Cape Roux to the Isles of St. Margaret, N E ^r N 2 leagues.
From the Isle of St. Margaret to Cape de la Garoupe, 1^ league.
From Cape de la Garoupe to Antibes, north -^ a league.
[ 115]
CHAP. VI.
Directions for Sailing i?ito several Ports of the Coast of Italy,
fro?n Antibes to Porto Ferra ro ; by Captain John Clark,
of the Royal Navy.
VILLA FRANCA.
XSetween Antibes and Villa Franca, which belongs to the King of Sar-
dinia, or rather between Cape la Garoupe and Punta de Mala Lingua to the
southward of Villa Franca, is the Gulf of Nizza or Nice. The course across
this Gulf from Cape là Garoupe to Point Mala Lingua,- lies N E |: N near
4 leagues, and from Antibes to the same point N E j N nearly, about 3
leagues.
In the Bay of Villa Franca you lie almost land-locked, and from the S W
to the south no winds can hurt you. Having both points open, the course in
is N N E near 3 miles to the castle : there are two small towers, one on each
side of the harbour, a good way in ; they are the marks for the anchoring
ground, for you will have none till you come within them ; there is 30 fa-
thoms just off them, and gradual soundings up to the town. The way of
mooring here is just off the town, with a good scope of cable to the south-
ward, and one cable on shore to marble pillars erected for that purpose. But
when I was here in the Namur (Admiral Matthews) we anchored off the
Mole's Head, and moored thwart the harbour, a cable each way. There is
a small Mole on the west side of this harbour, where there is 16 feet water.
I saw the Romney, the Feversham, and several of our smalL ships heave
down, in the year 1743, in this Mole,
Cape dclle Melle, which may be considered as forming the S W extreme
of the innermost Gulf of Genoa, i« near 12 leagues to the N E ^ E of Point
Mala Lingua ; and from the above Cape, across the innermost Gulf, to
Porto Venere, which lies on the S E extreme, the course is due east nearly
Q 2
[ ^^6]
about 20 leagues. Porto Venerc is about 1 league to the westward of the
Gulf or Bay of La Spc3;zia, one of the best in the Mediterranean, and be-
longing to the Genoese.
GENOA.
The sailing into the harbour of Genoa, between the two Moles, is very-
safe, and without any difficulty: in coming from the westward you must give
a pretty good birth to the point on which the light-house stands, on account
of some rocks under water. You may moor within, behind the Moles,
with a cable or two on the Mole, or anchor thwart the harbour, a cable each
way. The winds to which you are exposed in this harbour, are the S W
wind, tl.at brings in a very great swell, and the N wind, which, though a land
wind, has sometimes driven ships from their anchors.
GULF OF LA SPEZZIA,* and PORTO VENERE.
In sailing into this Gulf there is on your larboard side three islands, the
southernmost of which lie so close together that you can see but two : the
outermost is very small ; you must give it a good birth, and come no nearer
it than 15 or 14 fathoms water. There are very good sotuidings all over
this harbour or gulf; abreast of the first isle you will have 12 fathoms, and
gradual soundings all the way up, till you come as high as St. Andrew's
Castle ; then it begins to shoal pretty fast ; it is all over a loose clay ground.
Just off the inner end of the great island there is a rock, or as the Italians call
it, the Scoglio, on which stands a square castle, or tower; you have 7 fathoms
close to it, arid 5 fathoms between it and the great island, but the channel is
very narrow.
* The celebrated La Condamine speaks thus of this Gulf, in his Journal of .1 Tour to
Italy, p. 25 and 26 : " In passing from Genoa to Lerici on board a felucca, I entered the
Gulf of Spezzia, where I saw a spring of fresh water in the midst of the sea. This Gulf,
on the borders of which are seen the ruins of the ancient city of Luna, destroyed by the Sa-
racens, forms the most beautiful and largest port of the Mediterranean, and perhaps of the
whole world. It comprehends within its sweep, and in its bays, several other ports : two
naval armaments may lie there at anchor, without seeing each other.
B.r«
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[ 1^7 ]
Between the great island and the main there is a large cove or iiarbour,
called Porto Venerc, where you may anchor in 6 or 7 fathoms water, and
lie safe from all winds : you must take care you do not run too far in, for
there is a bank of sand stretching from the main to the island, with only 6
feet water on it, which makes a good harbour for all westerly winds. Be-
tween the great and the second island there is a very good but narrow
channel, -where you find 1 8 or 20 fathoiTis,
There are three large coves, on the west side, above Porto Vcnere ; you
may lie land-locked from all winds in each of them, and have no less than
5 fatiioms. The best of these coves is that between St. Mary's^ Casde and
St. Andrew's ; but we lay with all our fleet most of the winter above St.
Andrew's, in 5 fathoms.
The course into this port is N ^ W, and the distance from the outermost
island to the town of Spezzia, 7 miles.
From Porto Venere to Gorgona Island, the course is S by E 4 E about
14 leagues ; to Porto Ferraro, in the Isle of Elba, S S E nearly 30 leagues;
to Cape delle Mille W 6° N 20 leagues; and to the Road of Leghorn,
S E 2- E 13 or 14 leagues.
LIVORNO, or LEGHORxN.
Directions for Sailing into Leghorn' Roau.
Leghorn is one of the first commercial ports in Italy, and belongs to the
Grand Duke of Tuscany.
From Gorgona Island to the Malora* the course is E N E ^r E, or N E
by E, distance about 7 leagues ; and f- om the Gorgona to the Light-house,
or Lanthorn, E N E ^ E 7^ leagues. If you are bound to this port by night,
bring the Lanthorn to bear east, or E by N, and borrow on the main, then
you may be sure of being clear of the Malora. All over this Road there
are veiy great overfalh towards the Malora ; as you are a turning out, about
• An islot that lies above 2 leagues to th; west of the harbour, and on the southernmost
end of the outer shoal, forming the Road of Leghorn.
[ii8]
ij mile distant from it, you will not have above l f^idioras. It is best with
a ship of great draught of water turning in, or ou;, . take towards the main
a good birth, when you come in as far almost as the Mole's Head, it being
flat off a good way.
The best of the Road is to bring the Tower of the Powder-house, and
another square Tower in one ; or the square Tower a little open either way,
the Lanthorn on the south part of Mount Negro (Monte Nero) ; then the
Malora will be just open to the eastward of the Gorgona ; but the Lanthorn
S E, and the Malora W by S, is a good birth in 6j or 7 fathoms. You
moor here with the best bower to the W N W, and small bower to
the E S E.
There is another channel to the northward of the Malora for small ships ;
the mark for it is the Lanthorn in one with the Madona Church, which stands
on the south side of Mount Negro. If it should be close weather, and you
cannot see the church, there is a hummock on the east side of the church,
which is to be seen at most times, keep that hummock a little to the eastward,
and it is a good mark. I am informed, by the pilot of this port, that there is
no less than 5:7 and 5 fathoms water in this channel.
The variation in this road, in 1782, was about one point and a half
westerly.
ISLE OF ELBA, or ILVA, and PORTO FERRARO.
This island, which belongs to the Grand Duke of Tuscany, is separated
from Italy by a channel, which is only 2 or 3 miles in width, between the
northernmost point of the island, and the town of Piombino on the opposite
main land. It is about 50 or 55 miles in circumference, being much longer
than broad, and very high almost on all sides ; its shores are much indented,
and form many bays and harbours, among which the best are Porto Longone
and Porto Ferraro ; the first is on the easternmost side, and the other, which
deserves a particular description, on the north side, about 4-i miles S W by W
from the N easternmost point of the island.
It is a large bay, about 3 miles deep, and as many in breadth within. On
the western, or starboard side, as you go in, lies the well fortified town of
Ferraro, standing on a high point, which is almost steep on all sides. This
point is a peninsula, upon the two ends of which are two considerable forts
in a very advantageous situation. About 500 fathoms to the westward of
the town there is a small round island, between which and the land you may
pass in mid-channel without any danger ; otF the westward of the island, about
half a cable's length, there are some rocks under water.
To anchor in Porto Ferraro, you must not come within two cables length
of the point of the town ; after standing about the point, you anchor oppo-
site to a tower which is at the entrance of the Mole, where you have 6 or 7
fathoms water, according to the place you have chosen, in very good oozy
ground ; some ships anchor farther out, to be more in readiness to get under
sail. You must not stand too far into the bay, though it is very wide, but
you are to keep 3 ur 4 cables length from the above mentioned tower.
You water on the other side of the bay, near to a point of rocks which are
seen on the sea side. The N W and S W winds are the only winds
troublesome here ; but can cause no great sea, as they come over the land.
About N W by W, a good mile from the point of Porto Ferraro town,
there is a large point, near to which are two shoals stretching about two
cables length, and where the sea breaks sometimes.
[ t20 ]
CHAP. VII.
ISLAND OF CORSICA.
Directions for Sailing along the Coasts of Corsica, and into its
Principal Bays ^/^^ Harbours, /row Mons. Bellin, Hydro-
grapher to the French Navy.
I. Directions for the Eastern Coast, from Cape C6rso to the Straits
of Bonifacio.
CAPE CORSO.
J. HE north point of Giraglia, a small island near the northernmost land of
Corsica, may be considered as the true Cape Corso ; though this name, which
is given to a part of the north peninsula of the island, in a length of 1 2 miles,
is also particularly apphed to its northern extremity. Giraglia is divided
from the main by a channel above one mile broad, with a depdi of 7, 8, and
9 fathoms water ; ships of all sizes may go through this c! annel, as there is
no danger ; but they must attempt it only in fair weather, and with a leading
wind.
FINOCCHIAROLA ISLANDS.
About 5 miles to the S eastward of Cape Corso are the three islots or
rocks of Finocchiarola, named also Figaroni Islands. To the southward,
and very near these islands, is Figaroni Road, where you anchor in 7 and 8
fathoms, and are sheltered from the north, N W, and west winds. Between
the two outermost islands, the channel, although very narrow, is very safe,
having 6 fathoms water ; you find likewise a channel between the two others,
with as much depth, but there you meet with some rocks near the latter
island, and between this island and the main there is only 7 feet water.
At the distance of one mile W N W from those islands there is another
anchorage, which they name St, Mary's Road, in which you have 6 or 7 fa-
thoms, J of a mile from the shore ; small craft may come nearer in 5 and 4
-J
I '^
[t2l]
fathoms, but care must be taken of the shoals which are along this shore, and
near which there are 9 feet water : the watering place is at a well not far
from the shore,
B A S T I A.
From Finocchiarola Islands to Bastia the course is due south for 13 miles,
and then 6 or 7 miles S S W, the coast which extends in both these direc-
tions is very high, and the mountains generally come almost close to the sea,
Bastia, the capital of Corsica, has a small harbour, fit only for gallies and
tartans; the entrance, which is about 90 yards wide, is very difficult, and you
lie there exposed to very dangerous puffs of land winds, chiefly from the
N \y their violence is such that they sometimes break the barks to pieces
against the Mole, or against each other. This entrance lies between the
head of the Mole and the Lion, a huge rock to the southward of it, and on
the larboard side in coming in, with the east, E N E, and E S E winds,
which are the most troublesome. It is only practicable for one vessel
at once ; they must take care to keep exactly the mid-channel, and as
soon as they have anchored, a cable is immediately carried on shore to one
of the stone pillars erected for that purpose on the said Mole ; they lie then
in 3 or 4 fathoms water, on a ground of white glass and ooze.
The best birth is on the side of the Mole where the gallies anchor; it may
hold 5 or 6 of them, and 8 tartans. At the end of the Mole there is a watch-
house, where a fire is lighted to direct the ships during the night, in bad weather.
In the middle of the left side of the harbour, ten barks or tartans may an-
chor in 3 fathoms, same groimd as above ; but on that side you are exposed
to the winds from the offing, viz. the east, E N E, and E S E, which blow
straight into the harbour. The vessels which are lying along the Mole are
sheltered from them, and suffer only from the great surge that comes in,
though there is nothing to fear if the cables are good.
If the winds should not permit to enter the harbour of Bastia, you may
anchor without the Mole, in 10 and 11 fathoms, having the northern part of
the town and the Mole to the west, a cable's length. To the northward of
this place, and at the end of the suburb, there is a brook where the watering
is very commodious, and the water very good.
R
[ 122 ]
r
The Coast from BASTIA to PORTO VECCHIO.
From Bastia to the Point of Arco the coast stretches 2 miles due south,
as far as the mouth of the great pond of Biguglia, and then 6 miles S E by S.
It is all a low green land except the point, which rises a little above the
rest. One or 2 miles in tlie offing, you have 40, 50, and 60 fathoms water.
From Arco Point to the mouth of river Tavignano, it is above 8-j leagues,
south ; there are no villages in the whole tract, which is very low, and you
see only towers on the shore, to the number of nine, and at various distances
from each other. You will perceive also the mouths of several rivers, the
principal of which arc the Golo, 2 miles south of Arco Point, and the Bra-
vone, 6 miles north of the Tavignano, Very near the shore, you find 15
fathoms abreast of the Golo ; and a little more southerly 20, then 30 and 40
fathoms as far as Paduella Tower. From this tower to the Bravone, the
coast is low and level, with a depth of 2, 3, and 4 fathoms water, and in some
places a fine sandy beach.
At the mouth of the Tivignano, one of the chief rivers of the island,
stands the Tower of Aleria, on a point which is not to be approached too
near, on account of its shoals. I'here the coast makes a bend, and runs to
the S W about 8 miles, as far as the Pond of Fiumorbio, being always low
and sandy. When abreast of this pond, about 1 mile off, there is a dangerous
shoal under water, called the Marise, with 15 fathoms near it.
From Fiumorbio to Solinsara, where the high land begins, the distance is
4 miles ; and from thence to Cape Fautea, above 9 miles, in a southerly di-
rection. Observe, that in the whole extent of coast between Point Arco
and this Cape, there is not a single place where the smallest vessel can find
shelter.
From Cape Fautea to St. Cyprian's Cape, the distance is 7 miles in a
south and S S W direction. Cape P"autea is very high, and within it is a
very good cove (Calancaj, with a sand beach, which is able to contain six fe-
luccas, brigaiitines, &c. the landing there is very easy. You meet after-
wards witli another beach at the bottom of a very small bay, whose name is
Piaggia di Sarraco, and over against a small sunken rock, called L'Arescana,
[ 123 ]
and which you must avoid ; this rock is :!: of a mile distant N | E of Isola
di Corsi, a small island, very high, and with a tower upon it. ï'rora the
south point of Sarraco to Corsi Island the distance is i^ mile ; the coast be-
tween makes a cove, at the bottom of which is a sandy beach very level,
with two brooks which come there into the sea. Small vessels and gallics
may anchor in this cove, very near the land, and make a landing very easily;
but it is to be attempted only with the land winds, that is to' say, the west,
N W, and S W winds, and in the fair season: for all the other winds are to
be feared, and ships could not remain there without great risk : there is room
for lo vessels.
From Corsi Island to Cape dell' Agua (water cape) the distance is near 2
miles; between the two is a very high head land, called Cape Gilaiou,
which, with Corsi Island, forms a cove, where barks, tartans, or gallics may
anchor; and whose bottom is a smooth sandy beach.
Two miles and a ■§• S W of Cape dell' Agua you perceive the Cape and
Tower of St. Cyprian ; near the Cape on the north side, the coast makes a
bay with a small road, in which 5 or 6 small \essels, like barks, pinks, tartans,
Sic. can find shelter. St. Cyprian's Island, which covers the anchorage, is
there very near land, and no passage between ; the bottom of the cove has a
sand beach on which landing can be made ; and above 500 yards eastward
of the island there is a rock, or small islot, called the Ratti or Ratourni.
Near the outermost point of Cape St. Cyprian, at a cable and a half's length,
there is a rock under water, in part uncovered, of which you must take heed,
and not attempt to pass between it and the land, as sunken rocks are lying
between both.
•PORTO VECCHIO.
Cape St. Cyprian, on the north side, and Cape de la Chiapa, on the south
side, make the entrance of Porto Vecchio ; they lie N N W and S S E from
each other, at the distance of above f of a mile. The land on both sides
consists of high mountains which come very near the sea edge ; there are
some islots or rocks a little way in the ofiing, which form three channels to
go into the harbour.
The largest of those islots, called La Pecorella, or La Calera, is situated
R 2
[ 124 ]
near the middle, and almost at an equal distance from both the capes ; it is
as big as a boat, and encompassed with rocks, some of which stretch into the
sea above a cable and a half s length on the north and east sides, and arc not
to be approached when you pass between this islot and Cape St. Cyprian :
this is called the North Channel ; which is fit for all sorts of vessels, but
you ought not to make use of it without being well acquainted.
About 2CO yards N eastward from Cape Chiapa stands the Chiapino, a
rock above water; you may pass between it and the cape, having first 15,
then 13, and within it 12 fathoms water ; this -is what they call the Little
Channel;
The Great Channel, which is the easiest of the three, lies between the
Chiapino and the Calera; its depth is from 17 to 12, 14, and 15 fathoms.
Porto Vecchio is a narrow bay about 2^ miles deep, within a rocky coast,
and w^here all sorts of vessels may ride in safety from the outermost islots up
to that which lies at the farthest end within. Ships anchor in the middle of
the harbour in 5 and 6 fathoms water ; grassy ground and ooze ; and as the
land winds are violent, you must ride with a spring upon your cable ; the winds
from the sea can do no hurt, and bring no swell, the waves being broke by the
islots and rocks at the entrance. Gallies and small vessels come near a little
island which lies by the coast on the larboard side in coming in, and anchor-
ing there in 3 and 4 fathoms, they carry a cable on shore in the islot.
There are two watering places, both very easy, at two rivulets which run
down the hills ; one is on the larboard and the other on the starboard side
of the anchorage.
This harbour, the best of the island, is also one of the finest in the Medi-
terranean ; but the badness of its air, and the noxious quality of the waters
are such, that Porto Vecchio is abandoned, and almost useless. At the
bottom of the harbour are the remains of a fort, inhabited by a few
wretched families, who are obliged to leave their abode every year, in the
months of June, July, August, and September, and to retire farther inland.
Wc cannot forbear to subjoin, in this place, what the ingenious Mr. Eos-
well has said of this harbour in his Account of Corsica, p. 22.
" Porto Vecchio is a spacious haven, capable of containing a very large
[ ^^5 ]
fleet. It has a great depth of water, and a good bottom, and being land-
locked on every side, is well sheltered from storms ; I may add, that a high
and rocky mountain nature has placed like a stately column to point it out
at a great distance. In short, Porto Vecchio may vie with the most distin-
guished harbours in Europe.
" The only objection to it is the badness of its air, occasioned by die
marshy grounds which lie in its neighbourhood." But this disadvantage may
be remedied, as has been done at Leghorn. The country about Leghorn
was formerly a vile morass, or rather quagmire, the noxious steams of which
rendered the air unwholesome ; but by the skill and pains of an Englishman,
Sir Robert Dudley, son to Oueen Elizabeth's potent favourite, the Earl of
Leicester, the soil was rendered habitable, the air much less unwholesome,
and the port improved so as to become the best in Italy."' — (Present State
of Europe, p. 411. J
The Coast /row PORTO VECCHIO, bdiveen CAPE CHIAP A and
CAPE ES PERONE.
The whole course between these two capes is about 20 miles in a S S W
course. From Cape Chiapa, the coast runs S W about 5 miles to the Cala or
Cove of Santa Giulia, at whose entrance you may ride in 10 fathoms water;
there is within it a very small and low island, between which and the main
you anchor in 4 or 5 fathoms. The bottom of the bay is a fine sandy beach,
where you may very easily effect a landing.
A litde to the southward of Cape Chiapa, along the coast at about 1 mile
distance, are four small islands, lying N E and S W, they are named Cibri-
caglie Islands : gallies and tartans may pass between them and the shore,
and anchor in 20, 10, and 8 fathoms water ; the nearest to Cape Chiapa is the
largest ; they call it La Cibiciani ; the second. La Minora ; the third, Santa
Suera; and the fourth. La Servi.* About 1 mile off the first island, lies a
Eock above water, called the \^edraro, or Verdara, and also the Small Bull.
Two miles ^ S S W from this rock, lies the Tauro, or Bull, likewise
• In Julien's Chart, the largest ot these islands is called La Plana, and tiie others Lu
Soumaria, La Pietregouza, and La Fourana.
[ 126 ]
above water, to the eastward of which at three cable" le g*h, there is a
white ground with only 14 or 15 feet water on it : beiw t n this ground and
the Bull you find in the channel 35 fathoms towards the rock, and 25 to-
wards the shoal.
Behind Santa Giulia's Cove is that of Porto Nuovo, divided from the former
by the Rafauelo, a mountain which comes quite to the sea ; 2 or 3 gallies
may anchor here abreast of a sandy beach, that has a riyulet of good water.
Above 1 mile from Porto Nuovo is the Torre di la Sponzaglia (the tower
of the espousals) ; 2 miles farther to the southward you meet with Point
Precuba, a high land projecting into the sea, and very near it there is a huge
cape, called Rondana, M'hich makes a part of the mountain at its back ; this
is the entrance of Santa Manza.
This gulf, beginning at Cape Rondana, is near 4 miles in depth, with
about I J in width at its entrance ; it becomes narrower as you go in, and at
the end of it there falls a small rivulet, whose water is very good, and easil)-
obtained. The anchorage is likewise very safe for all manner of ships; in
15 and 10 fathoms water, towards the middle of the harbour; but farther in
small vessels anchor in 5 or 6 fathoms, on a good ground, entirely sheltered,
though the east and N E winds sometimes bring in a great swell.
From the easternmost point of this bay to Cape Esperone, the distance
is 5 miles S W by S, the land between is high and steep : near this cape you
find a small island, called Plana, behind which is the Fiumara Cove ; feluccas
only can pass between the island and the main, and must be careful of the
rocks that lie near the island.
To the west of Esperone, and very near it, is the head land, called Punta
della Fiumara, or Cape Chantarella, the southernmost point of Corsica ; it
rises to a great height, and terminates the eastern coast : about 5 or 600
yards to the south of it lies the Cliiantarclla, a danger pardy under water,
and partly uncovered, which is to be avoided.
Off tiie coast between Fiumara Point and Santa Manza, are several small
islands, rocks, and shoals, with very unequal depths, and though the least
water found there is 3^ fathoms, and very near it 5, 10, and 15, îyou must
not attempt to pass between them and the coast ; but when you make for the
Straits of Bonifacio, you are to sail without all the islands, and come nearer
the coast of Sardinia.
II. The STRAITS OF BONIFACIO.
These Straits divide Corsica from Sardinia, and are bounded on each side
by the coast of both islands, as well as by several small islands towards the
east; the largest of which on the Corsican side arc the Isle of Cavalli, or
Cavalou, and that of Lavezzi ; these are encompassed with dangerous rocks
and shoals. Two miles east of Cavalli lie the Pelini Islots, called also Li
Perduti, with many rocks under water, of which great care is to be taken ;
and although the channel is good between those islots and Cavalli, prudence
requires that you should sail at a good distance to the eastward of them.
All sorts of vessels can go through these Straits without fear, although the
sea is sometimes very high there, ^v'ith a prodigious roaring ; its passage be-
ing made narrower, on the east side, by the isles and rocks adjacent to the
main islands.
The breadth of the Straits, on the west side, between Bonifacio and Cape
Longo Sardo, is about 5 miles ; but between Cape P'ieno and the latter cape,
about 64 ■ in going through you must come nearer the coast of Sardinia than
that of Corsica. Longo Sardo, called also La Glesta, the head, is a huge
high cape, with a tower upon it, which appears like an island. Ten miles
east of this cape are the Magdalen Islands ; and north of them those of Ba-
relino, which with Lavezzi, that lies 3 miles to the N W, make the narrowest
part of the Straits. You sail pretty near in the mid-channel, and rather
nearer the Barelino Islands than Lavezzi, which has some i-ocks under
water at the south part.
The Magdalen Islands form the eastern part of the Straits of Bonifacio,
towards the south ; but we shall not speak of them, as they belong to Sardinia.
The North Coast of the STRAITS 0/ BONIFACIO //w« POINT
FIUMARA to CAPE FIENO.
From Point Fiumara the course is 3 miles west nearly to Cape Bianco,
the white cape, which is more commonly called Cabo Pertuisato, or
C 128 ]
pierced cape, the rock being pierced through ; from this to the entrance of
Bonifacio harbour there is near 3 miles N W.
This harbour is a long creek about 1 mile in length, and from 110 to 130
yards in breadth ; it appears like a deep ditch cut in the rock ; ships can only-
enter it in fair weather, and before the wind, as the entrance is very narrow :
within that entrance, at the point of land on the starboard side, on which
stands the fortress, there is a rock as big as a brigantine, which is easily
known.
You have at the mouth of the harbour from 15 to 20 fathoms ; each side
of the coast is clear ; and you may go as far as you please without fear : on
the larboard hand, in coming in, there are two holes, or recesses, where gal-
lies may anchor.
When you are come abreast of the suburb you anchor in 5, 6, and 7 fa-
thoms water; or you moor across ; there you lie perfectly sheltered from all
winds.
The neighbouring sea produces a great quantity of coral, remarkable by
the length and fineness of its branches, as well as by the brightness of its
colour, which is of a deep red ; towards the end of May a prodigious number
of small barks resort there for that fishery.
From the entrance of Bonifacio to Cape Fieno, the course is W by N -j N
3~ miles ; the land is very high, and the mountains come almost close to the
shore.
Haifa mile N W of the west point of Bonifacio, there is a cove, called
Cala Fachola, sheltered by an island of the same name ; this cove is known
also under the name of the Pigeon's Hole (crota di colombi) ; you have in
it 12, 15, 9, and 10 fathoms water, near the land: at the bottom of the cove
5 fathoms ; and just ashore i\. Gallies and ships may anchor there sheltered
from all winds ; but the entrance is narrow, and you must be well acquainted
with this place to find it. West of Fachola Island there lies another, sepa-
rated from it by a channel, in which you have lO fathoms water.
At a very small distance to the northward there is another cove, a great
deal larger, with 12, 9, 8, and 5 fathoms water, they call it Cala Paravane;
a ship might anchor within, and find shelter from the N N E, east, and S E
[ 129 ]
winds; but those blowing from the west, S W, and south, are verry dangerous
there, the swell being very great, and the land high and steep. At the
bottom is a small sandy beach, with a brook coming down the mountains.
From this place to Cape Fieno the coast is foul, lined with rocks above
and under water : the cape has also several rocks and shoals which extend
2 or 3 cables length into the sea, and to which a good birth must be given.
III. Directions for the Coast from CAPE FIENO to CAPE
SENETOZO.
From Cape Fieno to Point Ventilegna they reckon 4 miles, N N W, the
coast between forming a great bight about 3 miles in depth, and 2 in width ;
it is called the Gulf of Ventilegna, and has at its bottom a fine sand beach,
ver)' convenient for landing. In this Gulf there are several islots and rocks
on the starboard side in coming in ; the sea is very high with the winds from
the offing, and you should not be safe there when they are blowing from the
west, S W, and even the south. At Point Ventilegna there are some rocks
above water, at a cable's length, to which you must give a birth, when you
double the point to enter Port Figuari.
This port is about i mile broad from the last mentioned point to Cape
Figuari on the opposite side, and 1 mile in length, growing narrower as it
runs up into the land : you meet with many islots and rocks along the coast,
as far as Figuari tower, and many likewise on the starboard hand ; but they
are all very near shore, leaving a very clear passage in the middle, with lO
and 12 fathoms water ; ships anchor, more inward in 6 or 7 ; you find then 4
fathoms, and then a gradual decrease down to the bottom of the port, where
several small islands are found, which extend to, the mouth of the little river
Canalle. The port lies N E and S W ; it is very safe, and you easily avoid
the rocks by keeping in the middle of the channel. It is surrounded with
very high mountains close to the sea; and among these one is distinguished
higher than the rest, called Figuari Mount, which may serve as a mark for
this port.
One mile and |- N W of Figuari Point lie the Briccia Rocks, running off
above y of a mile into the sea ; behind them is the small cove of the same
S
C 130 ]
name, capable of receiving a few barks, but whose entrance is very difficult.
N W of these rocks you come to Olmetto Cove, which must not be entered
without being acquainted with it, on account of the dangers along the shore.
Olmetto Point is very high, as well as the rest of the coast ; it projects far
into the sea, with many detached rocks round it, appearing like lumps of
earth tumbled down, and it has a tower on its summit. One mile N W by
W from it, and behind another head land equally high, called Three Foun-
tains Point, you find a sandy beach, on which you may land when the wind
does not blow from the offing. Two miles farther to the westward is Roc-
capina Point, with a tower upon it, and a convenient landing place on its
west side. In this course there are several rocks near the coast, and some
dangers under water, about i mile off.
From Point Roccapina to that of Tissano, which rises to a great height,
the distance is 3^ miles N W, between them are two coves, separated from
each other by Point Barbarino; the first is called Mortula, and has a pretty
extensive sand beach. Very near Point Tissano a small island is seen, called
La Botta ; and. 2 miles south of the same point, lies another small island,* en-
compassed with several rocks above and under water ; these dangers are
called Li Monachi (the monks) ; they stretch far to the N E, and render the
passage between them and the coast very dangerous ; it is to be attempted
onlv in very small ships, and when you are well acquainted with it.
From Tissano Point to Cape Senetozo there are 4 miles N N W : the
coast between them makes a bay, in which is a cove, called Tiscara, where
the river Mortara falls into the sea. Tissano tower is on the larboard hand
of the entrance ; this tower has a few guns with a small garrison to defend
the sandy beach, where a landing might be made : the land all around con-
sists of high mountains coming down to the edge of the sea.
Cape Senetozo is very high, with a point projecting into the sea : it has a
tower on its top, and round it, very near the land, lie the Eccicha Rocks, or
Chimouri Islands : north of these isles you meet with a head land, called
Cape China, or Chimouri ; but the whole is known by the njime of Cape
• lulicn's Chart, which seems to be copied from one of Bcllin's, places this island 2I
miles foiith of Point Roccapina, or 3^ miles from Point Tissano.
k JtO.lDS
\ urVlGAViOiiV.
Pu^-k'M /., \\- Ki,|,
[131 ]
Senetozo ; there is a passage for barks and gallies between the point and
these islots, in which you have 1 5 fathoms water.
IV, Directions for the Eastern Coast /rom CAPE SENETOZO ^^
CAPE RIVELATE, near CALVI.
GULF OF VALINCO, called likexi'ise GULF OF TALANA, and of
CAMPO MORO.
Ten miles N by W 5: W from Cape Senetozo lies Cape Mulo, the coast
between those two capes forming a bay above 8 miles in lengthy the east end
of which is properly the Gulf of Valinco.
This Gulf lies open to the west winds, but has some pretty good anchoring
places, on the north as well as the south coast, the principal of these is
Campo Moro ; and it is easily known by a huge round cape, at the entrance
from the southward, upon which stands a fortified tower, so that you perceive it
at a great distance. The latter cape lies 4 miles N E from the small islands
off Cape Senetozo ; the land between is very high, and its mountains come
down to the shore.
At a musquet shot from the Cape there are two small rocks, which you
leave, as well as the tower, on the starboard side, when you are sailing to the
anchorage ; as soon as you have doubled those rocks you descry a great cove
and a vineyard, on which you steer, and when you find yourself in the cove,
you leave the vineyard on the larboard side, so that you anchor between the
said vineyard and the tower, at 2 or 3 cables length from the shore, in 18,
20, and 25 fathoms water ; the tower is then bearing N W, and you perceive
nothing of the sea in the offing, as the Capes of Campo Moro and Muro are
in one, S E and N W ; besides, you are sheltered by the two rocks just
mentioned. Merchant ships, barks, gallies, &c. anchor farther within in
10, 12, and 15 fathoms water : they are still better sheltered, and can moor
with one cable on shore. This harbour is very good in all sorts of weather;
the watering place is at a spring in the bottom of the cove, about ^ a mile
inland.
From Cape Campo Moro 2-j miles N E lies Porticciola Point, which
S2
[ 132 ]
forms a kind of small bay, named sometimes Porto Giolo. Beyond this
point' you find another bay, with a very fine sandy beach, which they call
Piaggia di Tavaria ; in this place, which is the bottom of the Gulf, Valinco
river falls into the sea at Bitorsima Point, where you meet with some rbcks.
In summer you may anchor in this bottom of the Gulf, in 15, 18, and 20
fathoms water ; brown sand, and clean every where : fi^om thence you per-
ceive the town of Olmetta, 3 miles within the land. Ships may draw nearer
the shore, in this place, and anchor in 8 fathoms abreast of the tower of Zillé.
There is another anchorage to the northward, called Porto Propiano ;
when you come from the sea with a design to anchor there, you must get a
sight of Capes Muro and Campo Moro ; between both you perceive a great
hollow, on the bottom of which vou steer ; and when you are advanced in
that bottom, two small rocks very little above the water are seen, which you
leave on the starboard ; as soon as they are doubled, you descry a great bay,
with two houses ; the anchorage is abreast of that which is nearest the sea,
2 cables length from the shore, in 15, 18, and 30 fathoms; white glass, grass,
and ooze, and clean every where.
Five miles from Propiano, on the larboard hand, lies Porto Polio, where
the anchorage is only good in summer, and you lie exposed to the S S W
winds; the watering place is at the bottom of the cove. Porto Polio Point
runs a good way into the sea, and has several rocks round it ; from thence
to a very high cape, with a tower on the top, called Cape Nero, and by the
French, Cape Negret ; the course is W N W nearly, above 3 miles. Be-
tween the two, in a bay which is litde frequented, is Campanella tower.
From Cape Negret to Cape Muro the distance is ij mile westerly. Be-
hind the former cape you find a small cove, named Cala d'Orso, where one
or two small vessels may get shelter from the N W, north, N E, east, and
S E winds ; there are some rocks along the coast, and very near the shore,
on the larboard as you enter this cove ; at the bottom of it is a little river,
with a sandy beach, on which you can land, when the winds do not blow
from tlie offing.
GULF OF AJACCIO.
The Gulf or Bay of Ajaccio, the finest in the island, lies between Cape
[ 133 ]
Muro to the south, and Sangiiinara Island to the; north, wliich stand from
each other N by W -k W, and S by E 3- E nearly, distant about 8 niiiles : it
is every where safe and clear, with a good depth of water, and even in some
places you have no ground, and are obliged to anchor close to the land.
The marks for this Gulf arc the Sanguinara Island, with its rocks ; there
are two towers upon it, one of which is very high ; the outermost poiiH lies
one mile distant from the land point, on which stands also a great tower.
Between this land point and the rock nearest to it, there is a channel for
gallies, pinks, tartans, and other small vessels ; but you must not attempt it,
except in fair weather, and before the wind, its width being only 2 cables
length, and the depth of water in the middle not more than 3j and 4 fathoms.
When you are bound to Ajaccio, you must sail at a little distance off the
Sanguinara Island and rocks, which you leave on the larboard side, on ac-
count of the currents that set towards the shore ; when past Sanguinara you
enter the Gulf, and perceive within that island, a black land making a hollow,
in which there is a champaign ground; then you may anchor 3 cables length
from the shore, in 15 and 20 fathoms water; good ground, abreast of a place
called Fornaci, near which are a brick-kiln, and a tile-kiln. Two miles
farther E S E, a Utile cove is seen, called Cala Bubicagia, with a house.
In coasting along this shore, you perceive a rock above water, called La
Botta, or the butt, from its appearance ; and 1 mile eastward, another small
rock very near the shore, abreast of which stands a chapel ; you leave those
two rocks on the larboard side, steering towards the citadel, which is left also
on the larboard ; you must give it a pretty good birth, on accotuit of a
sunken rock which lies a cable's length southward of its point ;• it is about
go yards in length, and as many in width, with 2 fathoms water on it.
The marks to avoid the dangers as you enter this harbour are the follow-
ing; when the Butt rock is brought in a line with Sanguinara, you steer
directlv to it, and as soon as the fTrst centry-box is in one with a big tree full
of branches, and over against the convent of St. Francis that stands without
the town, then you are abreast of that danger, which you clear the moment
you steer out of this mark. You perceive likewise on the starboard several
rocks above water, called the Sardincras ; along which you may range as
[134 3
near as you please : within these rocks the largest ships may come to an an-
chor, if the wind does not permit to enter the harbour, but when it proves
favourable, they are to double the citadel at a good distance, leaving it on
the starboard side. In coasting along the shore on which the town is built,
you perceive the suburb, and next to it the Capuchins Convent ; you sail on
till you are abreast of the steps and gate of the said convent ; then you an-
chor with large ships in 15 or 18 fathoms water, with a mooring on shore,
and will be safe in ail sorts of weather. At the bottom of the harbour there
is a sandy beach on which you can land with facility.
GULF OF SAGONE.
From Sanguinara Point to Cape Fieno the course is north, a few degrees
west, 4 miles. Cape Fieno is very high ; 1 mile to the south of it lies an
islot encompassed with sunken rocks, and called La Botta, or Cape Fieno
Rock ; to which you must give a good offing ; between it and the cape is a
small cove for barks ; and behind the cape, on the south side, and nearer
to Sanguinara, you find the Piaggia di Santo Antonio, another cove with a
sand beach, where you may land.
The Gulf of Sagone has g miles in breadth between Cape Fieno and Point
Carghese due north from it, and about 6 miles in length. From Cape
Fieno, ranging along the south coast of the Gulf, you meet first, 3 miles to
the eastward, with Porto Provenzale, a small harbour, wherein you anchor
in 8 and 10 fathoms water ; white ground, and grass: it is good only in
summer, for tartans and other vessels of that sort, who lie there exposed to
the west winds : in coming in you leave the tower on the larboard side, and
the flat rock very near the coast, on the starboard side ; the watering place
is at a small river at the bottom of the harbour.
From Porto Provenzale to Palmentogia Cove they reckon 6 miles to the
N eastward : this cove is pretty deep, and lies between two points, each
having a tower, from the northernmost of which to that of Sagone, the dis-
tance is 3 miles N N W ; this tower is easily known by its whiteness, which
is perceived at a great distance ; before you come to it there is a fine sandy
beach, at the end of which the Liamone, one of the most considerable rivers
[ «35]
in the island, discharges itself into the sea ; to the left of its mouth, as you
come from the south, are lofty mountains that extend quite to the sea shore.
The harbour of Sagone is very good, and clean every where ; when you
intend to anchor there, you must steer towards the white tower, which you
leave on the larboard side in coming in ; and ranging along the coast on that
side, at a musquet shot distance, there is a small rock under water as you
enter. As soon as you have passed the tower, you anchor in lO or 12 fa-
thoms water, white glass and grass, and carry on shore a cable ; the gallies
and tartans anchor farther within in 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 fathoms ; the watering
place is at the river which runs just by. You lie there exposed only to the
W S W winds.
From Sagone to Point Corghese the distance is about 5 miles N W by W,
with some small coves between, and a large rock, called Botta Greca, 2
miles from the point, and one mile off the shore. The whole of this part is
without inhabitants, and the land is all high mountains almost close to the
shore. Point Corghese is known by the tower on the top of its mountain,
which projects a great way into the sea.
The Coast from POINT CORGHESE to PALACA.
The distance from Point Corghese to Point Domigne is ij mile N ^^',
with a deep cove between ; and from the latter to the next point you have
about the same distance north, some degrees east. This is called Point
Dorchino, and has a tower, abreast of which are some breakers, at a musquet
shot from the coast : between the two points you find a bay 1^ mile in length.
From Point Dorchino to Cape Rosso the course lies north ^\ miles : this
cape is known by a tower that stands upon the high land, which continues
from the mountain coming close to the sea : it is surrounded with rocks
above and under water, the largest of which is named Palo Island.
From Cape Rosso to Ozani Point and mountain they reckon 6 miles N E
by N. These two capes form tlie entrance of the Gulf of Porto, which is
very little known, and frequented only by small vessels ; its south coast is
bordered by several rocks, and remarkable only, as well as the north coast,
by very high mountains.
[ ^36]
Giralate Bay lies between Point Ozani and Cape Sandola, which are about
3 miles distant from each other, N W and S E. This bay is not good,
though it lias an anchorage towards the bottom, which you fetch in steering
towards a fortified tower seen upon the high land. In the corner there is a
kind of bason, where gallies or other vessels could anchor, if the ground
were clean; though a safe birth may be found for 5 or 6 of tiiem, bypassing
■through the middle, and leaving always the tower on the larboard side.
You anchor in 5 and 4 fathoms water ; ooze and sea-weed ; and lie ex-
posed only to the south and S W winds ; the watering place is at a small
liver. In this bay the famous John Doria took the corsair Dragut, and
his whole fleet of 18 ships, in the year 1545. .yb"\:/ 'if ?. V,'
Between Giralate tower and Cape Sandola there are two small coves, in a
distance of 2-^: miles ; and from this cape to the Isle and Point Gargana the
course is N ^r W 4 miles ; this coast is steep and desert ; making the foot of
a high mountain, which is called Monte Capo Gardiolo.
, Gargana Island is very high, and about 2 miles in circumference, with a
fine tower upon it, from which they can see at a great distance. This island
is separated from the main by a narrow channel, whose width is only the
length of a brigantine ; small vessels go through it, and there is a depth of
water sufficient for gallies.
At the point of the main land, which they name Point Gargana, two de-
tached rocks are seen, one called Palaca, to the west; and the other La
Librecci, to the east.
Tbe Co A^j from PALÂCA to CAPE RIVELATA.
From Palaca to Cape Rivelata the distance is above 14 miles N E ^ N.
One mile beyond Point Gargana you find Elbo Cove, which is called also II
Imbutto, or the Tunnel, on account of its form; when you enter it, you must
be cautious of a rock near the coast ; at the bottom of the cove is a rivulet,
whose water is very good.
Punta Bianca, or white point, lies i mile from Elbo; it rises much, running
out into the sea, with a detached rock very near its pitch.
From thence to Focalara they reckon 2 miles ; and ^ mile farther are the
C 137 ]
Galcria islots or rocks, which' stretch off" near 1 mile From the land. Two
miles west of these islots is Port Galeria, with a river, and a garrisoned
'tower; it, is fit only for small craft, which are drawn there ashore.
Between this port and Cape di Vela, to the north, the distance is about 6
miles, the coast high and steep, with a fine cove, which bears the same name
with the cape, and has a sandy beach and a river ; at the entrance of this
cove, on the north side, is, a small island very near the land,; the anchoring
is very bad here, as you lie too much exposed to the winds which. blow from
the offing. ■ ,'■
From Cape di Vela to Capo Cavallo there is 4j miles, and a very high
coast, with a tower on the summit of the mountain; and from thence to-
■Cape Rivelata, 5 miles to the,N E. This head land rises to a great height,
and is very easily known ; it has a detached islot very near its eastern-
most point ; and on the west side a small cove, called Porto Vccchio ; and
another islot named La Piquina.
V. Directions for the Northern Coast //-o/h CAPE RIVELATA to
CAPE CORSO.
HARBOUR OF CALVI.
The road or harbour of Calvi has 5 or 6 miles in circumference, the, en-
trance lies N N E and S S W, and ships are exposed to the N Ewind ; the
town stands to the, west on a peninsula. Ships do not anchor on the east
side, between the small cape at the entrance and the bridge on the largest of
the two rivers which fall into the bay, because the bottom is full of rocks ;
but from the bridge to the town the anchorage is very good: when you in-
tend to remain here for a while, you anchor between the town and St.
Francis's church in .■[, 6, and 8 fathoms water : the watering place is at die
"bridge river, which is never dry.
To anchor in this road, the rocky point which lies the outermost from the
fort is to be brought to bear N ^ F, and N N E, at 3 cables length ; and
Cape Spano, that is on the larboard in coming in, with the two islots of
Larmo near it, must bear N E 5" E, distant 1^ mile; you are then in 84
T
C 138 ]
fathoms water : sand and sea-weed ; two cables and a half length from the
shore, where you cany the cable under the fort to some big rocks lying to
the north ; you must back your great anchor to the south, because
you are apt to drive there. Four or 5 large ships only can anchor conve-
nîendy in the road, with 15 or 18 tartans, and other vessels, nearer the land,
in 3 and 4 fathoms, same ground as before, with a cable always on shore to
the rocks, or to some iron rings which are in the wall of a tower above the
fort. You may range along the fort as near as you please, and along the
point, with the two islots at two cables length, more or less ; you have not
less than 2 fathoms water at two cables length all round the bay.
Calvi is easily known, the town, as we have already said, being situated
on a neck of land, which projects into the sea like a cape. In coming from
the west you descry Cape Rivelata, and the islot at its pitch, between which
and the main the channel is only fit for a boat; you may come very close to
this islot without fear ; and when you have doubled the cape, you see the
town of Calvi distant from it about 2 miles S S E. Between the cape and
Calvi is a deep bight, called Revelata Bay, and in which there is an anchor-
age very near the land in 8 and 9 fathoms water, quite open to the north
wind.*
The Coast bet-ween CALVI and St. FIORENZO,
Two miles to the east of Cape Spano lies the small bay of Algaiola, and
between them the Coves of St. Ambrosio and St. Damiano. Algaiola Bay
has neither harbour or creek, and small vessels which come there cannot
even be drawn ashore ; it is only a bad road for a few barks and feluccas in
• " This only objection (says Mr. Boswell in his Account of Corsica, p. J 8), lever
heard made to it (the port of Calvi), was by a French gentleman, who told me, that the
bottom of it was full of sharp rocks, which were apt to cut the cables of ships which entered
it. And he instanced one of the transports, which had landed some of the French troops
in 1764. He, however, was under a mistake; for I have been at pains to inquire very par-
ticularly concerning this, and am informed from the best authority, that there is nothing to
fear from rocks at Calvi, and that the French transport which suffered a little there, hap-
pened to be run foul of by some of the rest, which was the occasion of the damage it
sustained."
C ^39 ]
fair weather. There is a fort with a few houses, to which they give the
name of town ; but it is certainly one of the most wretched in the island ;
the road lies on the starboard side of the suburb of that town ; at ^
mile N 5: W of Algaiola are three rocks, which lie north and south, and must
be carefully avoided ; you may, however, with gallies and other vessels pass
between them and the land.
About 4 miles N E by £ of Algaiola is Isola Rossa, or red island, which
the sea has divided from east to west, making now two islands, the northern-
most of which has a tower with a garrison. The channel between Isola
Rossa and the land is narrow, and difficult even to feluccas. On the main
land there is a strong tower, called Palombara, with a good garrison, and
some batteries, near which you find a cove, where small vessels may anchor,
and take shelter ; when going into this place, you must take care of a rock
under water which is steep to. " Isola Rossa, says Mr. Boswell, " is but a
little harbour, but has a considerable depth of water, and is defended by a
small island against the westerly winds."
From Isola Rossa to the cape and mouth of Ostriconi river, one of the
largest in the island, the distance is about 4 miles to the east ; on that course
is a ledge of rocks, called the Marglini, very dangerous, but very near the
shore.
Prom Cape Ostriconi the coast turns round towards the N E near 4 miles to
Cape Renel ; then to the east 4 other miles, as far as Point Peralto, and after-
wards 2 miles E S E to Cape Mortella. All this part, called Egriate by the
)iatives, consists of high mountains quite close to the sea, and though the
coast is much indented, and has many coves, it affords no shelter whatever,
being open to tlie nortli and wcot v/inrk, which would prove very dangerous
there.
GULF OF St. FIORENZO.
The Gulf of St. Fiorcnzo is above 3 mi-les deep, and 34- broad, from Cape
Mortella on the west side, to Point Vecchiaria on the opposite coast. There
is a tower on Cape Mortella, with an anchoring place abreast of it, and a
sandy beach at the bottom of the cove ; you may ride there in 12 and 13
fathoms water, at three cables length from the land ; you may even come
T 2
[ '40 ]
siéarerin 8 or 9 fathoms, and n\oor on shore; but then the winds from the
north and N E might become dangerous.
When vol ccTne from the west into the Gulf, you must not approach Cape
Mortella nearer than 2 or 3 cables length, on account of the rocks which lie
thereabouts.
Three miles S S E of Cape Mortella is Porto* Forno, abreast of which,
at a distance of about ■§• of a mile, there is good anchorage for all sorts of
ships in 13 and 14 fathoms water ; but you generally anchor nearer the land,
at 3 or 4 cables length distance, in 9 and 10 fathoms ; oozy ground; then
you have the following bearings, viz. the town of St. Fiorenzo S E :}: S ;
•Porto Forno west ; Cape Bianco N N E ; and Mortella tower N g: W.
In this Gulf you are exposed to the north wind ; gallies and tartans an-
chor near Porto Forno in 4 fathoms, and a cable on shore ; but there are
some rocks in this part which must be avoided.
In the innermost part of the Gulf, over against the town or village of St.
Fiorenzo, there is an anchorage for gallies, and other small vessels ; but
when they go there they must take care of a rocky ledge, in part above
water, whose extent is about 200 yards, and at a distance of about 500 from
the coast. There is also another rock under water, of the bigness of a large
boat, on which the sea breaks sometimes ; it lies at 500 yards to the north
of the end of the town ; and you may pass between this rock and the ledge
in 5 and 6 fathoms water.
When you enter the Gulf of St. P'iorenzo, or when you are coming out
of it, you always take the mid-channel, but rather nearer the west than the
east shore j because when you are without Cape Mortella, if the winds have
prevailed from the S W and S S W. yon most cuuunonly meet with high
seas which drive you to the east coast, where the water is so deep that no
anchorage is to be got there ; whereas on the west side you can anchor every
where, when you are past Mortella tower, from 35 to 4 fathoms water.
This Gulf is capable of containing a large fleet of men of war. When
you are at anchor in the southernmost end, you get your water at a spring,
in a building that stands near the walls of a ruined city. This place, above
* This cove is called likewise Fornacchio, Porto Fornali, and St. Nicholas's Cove.
[ Ml ]
all others in the island, is the most convenient, as well as the most advanta-
geous to effect a landing; there is a fort on the sea shore which defends the
anchorage, and to oppose the landing that can be made upon a fine sandy
beach on the west side.
To the southward of the tqwn, about a 5- of a mile, are some low marshy
grounds, which make St. Fiorenzo so sickly, that few people choose to in-
habit it, and the garrison there must be changed every month.
The Coast from the GULF of St. FIORENZO fo the Northernmost
End of the Island.
From Point Vecchiara to the point called La Testa the course is above
16 miles north. At 1-,- mile from Vecchiara lies Farimole beach; and 3
miles farther that of Negro, where there is a tower ; and 2 miles north of
this, the village of Nonza on a high rock, on the extreme pinnacle of which,
some hundred fathoms above the sea, and directly perpendicular, stands a
tower which commands the avenue to it.
Two miles and a \ from Nonza you meet with Point CanelFe, near which
lies a rock in part above water, where you see breakers, and 3 miles farther
north lies Point Minerbo, remarkable for its height. From Minerbo to La
Testa they reckon 6 miles, and three coves of litde note. A mile S W of
La Testa are the three small islands called St. Mary's ; the easternmost of
which almost touches the main land ; and near it is a tower, with a cove for
small vessels.
Punta di Corno di Bccco is about 3 miles distant from La Testa N E
by N. It is a pretty high point, behind which are seen lofty mountains
inland ; and very near it to the S W, lies another point a little lower, and
which is called Cape Bianco, or the white cape. Above 1 mile E N E of
Corno di Becco stands the Tower of Tolare, with a rivulet running down
the mountains ; and i\ mile farther is Baraccio Point, the northernmost end
of the island, to the north of which, at the distance of above i mile, is the
island of Giraglia, where \tc have begun the description of the coasts of
Corsica.
Ci43]
APPENDIX.
Description of the Port of Cherbourg, with the new Works now
constructing to cover and defend that Road.
L HE scheme of inclosing the Road of Cherbourg was first projected in the
last century, after the memorable battle of La Hogue in 1692. Marshal de
Vauban, the inventor of that scheme, proposed to make two jetties, one
from Isle Pelce, the other from Point du Hommet, with only one entrance,
and that in the centre between the two ; but the long war concerning the
Spanish succession, and the very bad state of the French finances after the
death of Louis XIV. prevented their paying any regard to Vauban's plan;
and the only attempt to improve Cherbourg (not its Road) was made many
years after by Cardinal de Fleury under Louis XV, A bason was then
constructed large enough to contain 400 vessels and ships of 40 or 50 guns ;
a large sluice was likewise built between the bason and the harbour for the
purpose of cleansing and deepening the channel. This sluice was demo-
lished in August 1758, by the English army that landed near Cherbourg;
since that time nothing further has been done to either the harbour or the
Road, until 1783, when Marshal de Castries, minister of the navy, carried
into execution the idea of Vauban, and began the inclosing of the Road with
two Moles or Dykes, by means of Conical Caissons, instead of the two
jetties originally intended.
The distance from Querqueville Point to Isle Pelée is about 4^ miles ;
between these points two Dykes or Moles were proposed to be made, leav-
ing at each extremity entrances of 1066 yards each, and one in the centre of
853 yards wide. The north-west entrance is protected by Fort Monsieur,
built on Querqueville Point ; the north-east entrance by Fort Royal on Isle
Pelée, and the middle entrance by Fort d'Artois on Point du Hommet,
144 APPENDIX.
The breadth of the proposed harbour is about two miles towards the town
of Cherbourg and the Fosse du Galle, where the water rises from 18 to 20
feet at spring tides ; the latter place is well secured from the N W and N E
winds, and is to be enlarged, by taking in a piece of ground adjoining,
called the King's Meadow, so as to contain 100 vessels : docks are also in-
tended to be built there.
Fourteen Cones have been sunk, the first is placed about 1066 yards from
Isle Pelée, the rest are from 130 to 140 yards from centre to centre; they
are ten feet above high water mark at common tides ; are completely filled
with stones ; and the frames from the top to low water mark (which is about
25 feet) arc covered with strong plank, and plastered with Pozzolana.
The intermediate spaces between the Cones are filled with loose -stones, to
about three feet above low water mark, and 50 feet broad, so as to form a
Dyke or Causeway; upon the north and south sides of these intervals are
strewed large quantities of live muscles, which, together with the sand and
sea weed, are designed to fill up the interstices, and to form such a rocky
substance, as to increase and strengthen the whole continually ; the top of
the Dyke was proposed to be further strengthened with masonry, but it has
not been executed.
In the course of the winter 1785, the second Cone from Isle Pelée was
broken by the violence of the surf, in consequence of which another Cone
has been sunk in its place: only one Mole was intended to be built until the
-stability and effect of the plan had been fully ascertained. However, during
the progress of the work it was discovered that several of the Cones had re-
ceived great damage from the very heavy seas which the N W gales of
wind drive upon that coast ; it was thereupon resolved to discontinue the
use of them in future, and to form the Dykes with loose stones only. This.
latter method has been invariably followed ever since, and is attended with
great success. '
It has also been determined to unite the two Moles or Dykes into one, by
shutting up the proposed middle entrance, or Passe du Hommet, thereby to
insure more efiectilally the quiet of the harbour, the two 'extreme entrances- at
Isle Pelée and Point .Querqueville being deemed sufficietit for every purpose;
APPENDIX. i^^
There are nine fathoms at low water in the new harbour, and the tide
rises 20 feet on full and change.
Fort d'Artois, situated on the Point du Hommeti forms an obtuse angle
towards the middle entrance ; the ÎV W face contains 1 1 pieces of cannon,
the M E 14 pieces, the west flank four, and the east flank two, which are all
48 pounders, upon marine traversing platforms j the batteries towards the
sea arc casemated, and surround the inclosure of the Gorge, which is of an
irregular form. The barracks are also casemated, and are intended to serve
as a kind of blockhouse, being (by means of a small ditch) detached from
the batteries, and are pierced with loop-holes.
Fort Royal, on the I-sle Pelée, is of a circular form towards the sea, and is
closed in the Gorge by a small regular front ; the barracks are formed in
the rear, and pierced with loop-holes, those in the flank are large enough to
admit of small cannon being used The batteries and barracks are all case-
mated, and planned upon the same principle as those of Fort d'Artois ; this
fort mounts a greater number of cannon than Fort d'Artois, the object being
to protect the north-east entt^ance ; 16 pieces are therefore directed to that
part, and which likewise flank the eastern Mole. Isle Pelée is always
covered at high water, and the shore towards the opening is very bold.
Description of the Truncated Cones, or Conical Caissojis, invented by
Mons. De Céssart, Inspecteur Général des Ponts and Chaussées.
The Conical Caissons are of various sizes, from 147 feet diameter at the
Dasc, to 17OT and 179 feet. The first Caisson was 158 feet diameter,- con-
sequently the whole surface of its base was 19596 square. feet, and, includ-
ing its casks, covered about half an acre of ground. It was judged proper
not to close the bottom of the Caisson, nor let it touch the ground, but
only to rest it on, the upright timbers which composed the frame, and by
■which it might be floated with greater facility. The perpendicular height,
as well as the diameter of the upper circle, is 64 feet, though some of the
Caissons may.be 80 feet high, according to the depth of the sea.
The Caissons, are composed of 80 or 90 upright timbers or beams (ac-
U
146 APPENDIX,
cording to their respective diameters), which are lined from end to end, and
are built of pieces of t mber from 24 to 30 feet in length; these are sustained
by 20 circular ribs on the inside, and by 8 ribs on the outside, which, as
well as the beams, are about 13 inches square. They are fastened together
by iron bolts, weighing from 21 to 32 pounds, which are tinned over with a
new composition, to prevent the marine acid from rusting them. There are
6000 bolts in each frame.
The talus, or slope of the Caisson, is ']\ inches per foot under an angle
of 60 degrees; its immersion is 60 feet at the highest spring tides, and 38
feet at the lowest neap tides. A Caisson contains 25243!- cubic yards of
stones, weighing 52465 tons, at about 2~ tons to each cubic yard ; the
base is loaded with about 93^ tons of stones, which is done before they set
it afloat, in order that the Caisson, on its immersion, may settle so as to resist
the force of the tide of flood ; the perpendicular rise whereof, being about
19 feet, would be able to raise the Caisson one seventh part of its whole
height.
The weight of a Caisson so loaded is 770^ tons ; they were set afloat by
means of 64 large casks, about 12 feet 9 inches' in length, and about 6\ feet
in diameter, and of 30 or 40 others of smaller dimensions, which were made
fast round the base of the Caisson with strong cables, 'j\ inches thick.
From an experiment made in the Port of Cherbourg, each large cask was
able to raise amass of cannon ball, weighing nearly i4|- tons, and the bouy-
ance of the whole was equal to 915 tons ; so that there remained an overplus
of weight equal to about iii\ tons, in case of accidents.
A cable-netting was formed at tlfe base, to counteract the force of the
surrounding casks, which, from their great power, would otherwise have
torn the frame to pieces as soon as floated ; 4 large casks were placed in the
centre to keep the netting perfectly tight. When the Caisson was immersed,
the netting remained at bottom, but the casks were preserved.
The Caissons were towed to the place of their immersion by means of a
capstan, placed on a ponton, worked by 40 men ; four large flat-bottomed,
boats, with 72 oars each, towed the ponton. In calm weather they ad-
vanced about 12 or 13 yards in a minute, or near half a mile in one hour.
APPENDIX. 147
There was likewise a frigate moored beyond the place of immersion, with a
capstan, to which a cable (fastened also to the Caisson) was secured, to direct
the towing, that it should not deviate from its proper course.
The immersion of a Cone was completed in one hour at most, by the suc-
cessive removal of the casks ; which was effected by means of hatchets hav-
ing long handles or beams at right angles with the blades; these were fixed
in a perpendicular direction round the bottom of the Cone, and communi-
cated with the gallery by ropes. The hatchets weighed about 120 pounds
each, were numbered four by four, and upon being drawn up the side of the
Cone to a certain height, were let fall upon the braces of four of the casks
diametrically opposite to each other, in the whole circumference of the base.
This method was followed with the view of preserving an equal balance
during the progress of the immersion ; the four casks fastened at right angles
in the centre of the base, were not cut loose till after the Cone was com-
pletely sunk.
If to a Caisson with its ballast, weighing 77!- tons, be added 25243J cubic
yards (weighing 52465 tons) of stones, which the Caisson contained, the
whole mass would then weigh 532353 tons. From this calculation, suppos-
ing the Caisson entirely covered with water, the action of the sea would
operate against the conical mass, at most, only with the force of 25243^^
cubic yards of water, weighing 19832 tons,- which being deducted from the
total mass (532351- tons), there remains to the Caisson, in the most unRivour-
able circumstances, a preponderating weight of 33503^ tons, to resist the
power of the sea.
About 150 small vessels, called Chasse-marces, were employed in trans-
porting stones for filling the Caissons and the intervals; and the number of
raen employed upon the different works were about 3000.
U2
INDEX.
A
ÀBREVERAK Bay
Abbey of t!ie Downs
Adour River
Aiguës Mortes Town
Aix, Isle
Ajaccio, Gulf (Corsica)
Alderncy, Island
———— Race
Alsria Tower (E. Coast of Corsica)
Algalola Bay (N. Coast of Corsica)
Anibleteiise
Amfar Bank . . _
Amphroques, Rocks
Anchise River
Angloises or Flabougeres Rocks
Antibes, Town
Antiochei, or Antiochois, Rocks
Arcasson, Coast
Arcc Point (E. Coast of Corsica)
Arescana, Rock (ibid.)
Ars Steeple
Aitray River
Avranches River
B
Bagneux, Isle
Baleines d'Ars
Bancs Fêles
B '.ne de Fer, or Iron Bank
Banc aux Huirres
des Moines
Banc de Vielet
B.tncbcs Vertes, Rocks
Bandol Road
Banks, de I'Ecreviere
Baraccio Point (W. Coast of Corsica)
Barbarino Point (E. Coast of Corsica)
Barelino, Islands (ibid.)
Barjleur Cape
Light-House
Barges d'Olonne
Barnoui Rock
Bostia (Corsica)
Hastrene Rocks-
Basse Hurel Bank
Basse Palais Rock
Basses du Lis Rocks
Bassin d' Arcasson
Ba\onnc
46
6
91
107
82
«32
29
29
122
II
20
3'
89
31
>'3
81
89
I 22
122
79
72
38
no
80
37
24
83
76
35
, So
109
37
141
130
127
24
26
77
42
121
70
14
72
58
90
91
Bayc de la Fresnaye
Bee du Raz 1 - .
Bee de la Cbevrf
Bee de Jan
Bellen Rock
Belle Isle
Eenauder Town
Benic River
Beniguet Island
Berg Steeples
Berganson Isle
Berthaume Point
' Bitorsima Point ( W. Coast of Corsica)
Biguglia Pond (E. Coast of Corsica)
Blanc Nez, or Calais Cliff
Blanc Sablon Bay
Blavet River
Blaye Fort
Bœuf Rock
BoniJ'ucio Straits (Corsica)
Botta Island (S. Coast of Corsica)
Botta, or Butt Rock (W. Coast of Corsica) 133
PACB
41
59
59
88
58
72
66
4»
54
z
no
56
Ij2
122
10
55
68
89
37
127
130
Botta, or Cape Fiano Rock (ibid.)
Botta Greca'Rock (ibid.)
Bossevins, or 'Les Noires, Black Rocks
Bouc Rock (Bay of Brest)
Bouc Tower (Mediterranean)
Bouillons Rocks
Boulogne Town
Bourbourg Steeple
Bourdeaux
BourgneuJ Bay
Bout des Chats, Bank of rocks
Boute of Gourjan, Rock
Brack Bank
Bravone River (E, Coast of Corsica)
Brayes Rocks
Brecqhou Rock
Bree, or Broad Bank
Breganson Fort - -,
Bréhat Harbour, or la Chambre
Brehon Rock
Brehonnet Rock
Brescon, or Brescou Rock
Bresle River
Brest Bay
Brest Castle
Briccia Rocks (ibid.)
Broad, or Bree Bank
Broers Bank
'34
13s
55
59
106
41
J2
7
76
70
112
2
122
33
2
III
42
31
32
106
14
57
57
129
8
6
INDEX.
Bruse Road . , . .
Brouage
Bubicagia Cala (W. Coast of Corsica)
Buron Island
Buron Rock
Buzec Rock
Aganor Rocks
Caen, or Orne River
Cafaî^nct Jetty
Cîlais
Calais, Cape or ClifF
Calbunk Sand
Calburde, or Ripraps
Calvados Rocks
Calvi Harbour (N. Coast of Corsica)
Cala d'Orso (W. Coast of Corsica)
Cala Fachola, or Pigeons hole
of Corsica)
Cala Paravane {ibid.)
Camaret Road
PAGE
109
82
133
30
40
56
32
21
16
S
10
6
1 1
22
137
132
(N. Coast
128
128
57
Campo Moro Gulf (W. Coast of Corsica) 1 3 1
Campanella Tower {ibid.) - 132
Cunt's Blink - - - 7
Canalle River (N. Coast of Corsica) 129
Cmcalk - - 38
Canche or River of Etaples - 12
Cane Point - - 113
Canelle Point (W. Coast of Corsica) 141
CapeofAgde - - 107
de l'Aigle, or la Ciotat - 109
■ deir Agua (Corsica) 123
■'^^ Antifer - - 24
— ■ de Bcnaf - ' 110
— Bianco (ibid) - 141
de Caux, or Cape Antifer 16
Cépet - - 109
— ■ Cavallo (Corsica) 137
de la Chiapa (ibid.) - 123
— ^ China, or Chimouri (ibid.) 130
Chiantarella ( ibid. ) - 126
Corso (ibid.) - 120
de la Couronne - 108
— de Creux - 106
Croi'^ette - - 108
— — — Esperune (ibid.) 126
Fautea (ibid.) - 122
— ^ Ficno ( i''id ) - 127
F rebel and Light-house 41
Gattcvilla - 26
Gilaiou (Corsica) - 123
_ — — de ia Garoupe . - 112
Grisnez - 5 11
— — — La Hague, or La Hague 29
Cape La Heve Light-Houses
Lailly, and Light-House
Levy
• Longo Sardo (Corsica)
delle Melle
MortcUa (Corsica)
Nero, or Negret (ibid.)
Pertuisato ( ibid. )
Renel (ibid.)
RiveLitu (ibid.)
Romaniou
— Rosso (Corsica)
Roux
Sandola (Corsica)
Scnetozo (ibid.)
Sicié
Spano (Corsica)
di Vela C/iirf. J
Taillar
Capuchin's Convent (G. of Ajaccio, Cors
Cardinaux, or Cardinals, Rocks
Carteret Ness
Caskets Rocks
Catel Church
Cavalli Isle (Corsica)
Cette
Champ Chardon Rocks ».
Chunnel of La Porte
Charentais Channel
Charente River
Chassiron Tower and Light-House
Chateau d'lf
Chaume Bank
Chef de Bois Road
Cherbourg Harbour
Chèvre Rock
Chevreau Rock
Chevrier
Chiantarella Rock (Corsica)
Chiapino Rock (ibid.)
Chiens Perrins Rocks
Chole Bank
Cibiciani Island (Corsica)
Cibrieaglie Islands (ibid.)
Ciotat Town
Cliff Bank
Cock Rock
Collioure, Port
Colts Point
Cvncarneau Harbour
Conchee Passage and Rock
Conquet Point
Corbet Rock
Ccrdouan Tower
Corghcse Point (Corsica)
PAGE
•7
ÏS
27
127
US
139
"32
127
139
137
106
>3S
II.
136
129
109
137
137
III
•) «34
71
36
30
31
127
106
80
87
85
82
81
108
78
79
2â
59
59
88-
I2Ô
124
76
30
125
I2S
108
7
^6
100
66
39
53
30
85
134'
INDEX.
Cornet Castle
Cornet Rocks
Corno di Becco Point (Corsica)
Corsi Island (ibid.)
Corsica Island
Couillon Rock
Crevichon Rock
Criquebeuf Road
Croisic, Point and Harbour
D
Dasen Steeple
Derée Rocks
Dieppe Town and Harbour
Dinan Bay
Dive, or St. Sauveur sur Dive
Domigne Point (Corsica)
Dorchino Point (ibid.)
Dordogne River
Dover Straits, or Pas de Calais
Donarnencz B(iy, or Poldavid
Dousey Point
Dublat Tower
Dunkirk
Dyke Bank
Pokier
Eccicha Rocks, or Chinouri Inland (Corsica)
130
Ecreho Rocks
Ecreviere Banks
Elbo Cove (Corsica)
Elizabeth Castle
Egriate Coast (Corsica)
Epees Rocks
Essarts de Bernieres Rocks
Eliiples River
PAGE
33
60
'+•
•23
120
46
32
16
7+
S
36
14
59
21
«35
'35
89
10
59
73
89
Errants Rocks
Eclat Rocks
Eclat Bank
Eguille de Bellerat Rock
d'Etretat Rock
Fachola Island (Corsica)
Farimole Beach (ibid.)
Fecamp, or Fecan
Fernouk Steeple
Feuillée Rock
Figaroni Road (Corsica)
Figuari Port (Corsica)
Mount (ibid.)
Fillettes Rocks
Flnoccbiarola, or Figaroni lis. (Corsica) 120
37
37
136
35
«39
42
22
12
68
17
18
17
17
128
141
16
3
43
120
J29
129
57
Fiumara Cove (Corsica)
Point {ibid.)
Fiumorbio Pond (ibid.)
Flabougeres Rocks
Formain Bay
Fornaci (Corsica)
Fort Madam
Fosse d'Omonville
Four Rock
Four Bank
Fonras Tower
Fresnaye Bay
G
Gabelles Tower
Galère Rock
Galeria Rocks (Corsica)
Galeria Poit (ibid.)
Gamette Bank
Gargana Island (Corsica)
Gautier Rock
Gavre Channel
Geere Bank
Genoa Harbour
Giraglia Island (Corsica)
Giralate Bay (Corsica)
Gironde, or Bourdeaux River
Givaude Rock
Golo River (Corsica)
Goubiniere Rock
Gouemont Rock
Gorgona Island (Coast of Italy)
Gourjan, or Gourgen Road
Great Bank (Jersey)
Grand Ance, or Ance de Vauville
Grand Bay Rock (St. Male's)
Grande Porte Channel (ibid.)
Graves Channel
Gravellnes
Granville Town
Granville Rock
Great Bank, (S. of Guernsey)
Great Reynier Rock
Grenettes or Genettes, Rocks
Grimaud Bay
Groi.T or G rouais, Island
Gnine au Rouge Rock
Grunes Rocks
Guerande Town
Gueule Harbour
Gulf of F rej us
^—— Lyon, or Lions
de la Napoule
Porto (Corsica)
Sagonc (ibid.)
1>AGB
126
iz6
122
3»
33
«33
83
28
53
74
82
41
113
IS
137
137
65
136
42
70
5
116
120
136
84
33
I2Z
33
58
i>7
IIZ
35
36
39
40
87
4
37
«S
34
27
32
III
70
32
33
74
I
III
107
112
135
'34
TNDEX.
Culfi-ifLa Spczziu (Coast of Italy)
— ■ St. Fiorenzo (Corsica)
Valinco, or TuUina (Corsica)
Guernsey Ishtnd
South Side
G rent and Little Roads
H
HaJIe Rock
Havre Roads
Haijovaux Rocks
Havre de Grace
Hauts de la Rade Bariks
Herm Island
Hiers Steeple
Hodierne Harbour
Hog Rock
Hommet Point
Hoytjleur
Hooghenpryse Steeple
Horaine Rock
Houat and Hedic Islands
Hougue, or La Hogue
I
Jardin Rock
Jersey Island
Jethoii Island
Ingouville Towers
Isigity River . -
Isle d'A/.v
Isle de Bas
Isles de B ré hut
de Chosey, or Chose
— — Dumct
' of Elba, or Ilva
oiGlenan
d'IIyeres
de Levant, or du Titan
de Lihou
aux Montons, or Sheep Islands
oiO'eron
Pir.uets
ds Ré
Rib udas
Ribaudin
des '•■'ains
St. Marcou
-' Tcn'.é
Tud.-
\'^:-té
— dYeu
Noirmoiislitr
PAGE
n6
139
131
3'
33
3+
55
iS
3'
19
18
31
82
65
69
28
20
S
42
71
23
Isles Ushant, or Ouessant
le Pilier
Planier
Porquerolles
Isola Rossa, or Red Island (Corsica)
Jument, or the Mare Rock
40
35
31
19
23
82
45
41
38
73
iiS
67
no
no
33
67
83
zS
107
83
110
IIO
60
23
42
67
109
76
76
K
Keltcl Bank
76
108
1 10
•39
67
Lady of Antibcs
112
Lady of l.ombaerdzyde
I
Lailly Rocks
15
Laland Bank
6
Laleu Coast
80
Lanion River
43
Lansan Bay
106
Lanno Islots (Corsica)
«37
Larnior Tower
68
Lavezzi Island (Corsica)
127
Lavandière Rock
46
Lavcrdin Bank
80
Lejon Rocks
41
Lermont Point
89
Lescameau Channel
87
Liamone River (Corsica)
13+
Librecci Rock {ibid.)
136
Lignée du Bœuf, Range of Rocks
S7
Linigot
74
Lion Rock (Corsica)
121
Lion Rocks
22
Little Bay Rock
39
Little Sole Bank
63
Livenet Rock
60
Livorno, or Leghorn
J17
Longue Pierre, or Long Stone Rock
32
Loire, or R.\vtv oi Nantes
74
Longy, Port
30
M
Madona Church
118
Magdalen's Bank
23
Islands (Corsica)
127
Malora Island
"7
Maisons Rocks
36
Mardick Tower
3
Maiglitii, ledge of Rocks (Corsica)
■39
Marise shoal {ibid.)
122
Marguerites Banks
88
Marseille
108
Mar ligues Haven
107
Matte Kock
87
Matelier Bank
^s
INDEX.
Mafelier Channel
Miiumussoii Channel
Mauvaise Rock
Meche's Windmills
Mehan Point
Menjan Rock
Middiekercke Steeple
Mingan Rocks
Minquiers Rocks
Minerbo Point (Corsica)
Minora IsLind i^ibid.)
Moines Rocks
Monachi Rocks (Corsica)
Monte C po Gardiolo {ihid.)
Mount Negro, or Monte Nero (Leghorn)
Montreuil Town
Moran Bay
Morlaix Harbour
Muro Cape (Corsica)
Mortara River {ibid.)
Mortula Cove {ibid.)
Mulées Rocks
N
Niintes River, or the Loire
Nirbonne Port
Negro Beach (Corsica)
N'cuhiid F)at
Nieuport Harbour
Nice, or Nizza
Noire Pufe Rock
Noires Rocks
Noirnioustier Castle
Nonza Viil./ge
Notre Dame des Bois Church
Notre Dame de Clarté Steeple
No re Dame de la Garde Chapel
Nezenel '1 own
o
Ochriste Church
Oleron Isle
Oimefto Cove (Corsica)
Point {ibid.)
—^ — Town {ibid.)
Olonne Harbour
Ot't-er Castle
L Orient Cily
Ortacti Rock
Ôslend
Os'riif'ui Rirsr (Corsica)
Outerhunk
Oye Village
8S
83
87
88
72
58
I
S7
36
14.1
125
55
130
136
118
12
78
44
131
130
130
53
74
106
141
5
I
Its
33
54
76
141
16
43
112
69
55
82
130
130
132
78
iS
68
30
I
139
5
79
Oyster Bank
Ozani Point and Mountain (Corsica)
^ P
Paduella Tower (Corsica)
Paimbenf Town
P,i/ucj Rock {ibid.)
Palais Town and Harbour
Palisse Road
Palles Bank_
Palmentogia Cove (Corsica)
Palo Island {ibid.)
Palombard Tower (Corsica)
Pduganie Rock Beacon
Paradise
Paramé Steeple
Purquciti Rock
Pas de Calais, or Straits of Dover
Passage des Décollées
Passage du Four
Passage de I'lroise
Passage au Singe
Passe du Papon
Pater Noster Rocks
Paulet Suburb
Pecorella Islot (Corsica)
Pelini, or Perduti Islots {ibid.)
Pempoul Village
Penaleuch Point
Pcninark Rocks
Pennemané Road
Pernelle Church .
Perros Channel
Pertuis d' Antioche
Pertiiis Breton
Petite P.isse
Petite Porte (St. Male's)
Peu Breton
Piaggia di Santa Antonio (Corsica)
Piaggia di Sarraco {ibid.)
Piaggia di St. Antonio {ibid.)
Piaggia di Tavaria {ibid.)
Piani Islatid {ibid.)
Pierced Rock, or Pierre Percée
Pierre dc Ranee, or Ranee Stone
Pierre Moine
Pierre an Wrach
Piombiiio Town (Coast of Italy)
Piquina Island (Corsica)
Platresses Rocks
PLtte Rock
Pkiitebouée Rock
Pleinmoru Gu; rd-house
Pontscon' River
X
PACK
4»
«35
75
136
72
79
8z
134
>35
139
69
5
40
58
iO
40
53
61
29
90
35
H
123
127
44
57
65
69
24
43
8i
78
84
39
78
134
122
•34
132
126
75
40
76
30
118
53
60
31
33
INDEX.
Point la Latte
Point Loctnaria
Point de Cuivre
Pointe Grave
Point Mala Lingua (Coast of Italy)
Pointe des Pezeaux
Pointe du Siège
Pointe de la Frenche
Pointe la Coubre
Point Peralto (Corsica)
Pointe du Plomb
Point Terre Nègre
Poulains Rocks
Puldavid, or Douarnencz Bay
Pont VAbbc River
Pont des Chats Rocks
Pont des Poulains
Pont des Sains Rocks
Portbail Road
Port en Bessin Town
Port Blanc
Port aux Cabestrans
Port Gros
Fort Louis
Port Vendre
Porticciola Point (Corsica)
Porto Ferraro (Coast of Italy)
Porto Forno (Corsica)
Porto Longone (ihid.)
Porto Giolo (Corsica)
Porto Propiano {ibid.)
Porto Polio {ibid.)
Porto Provenzale (ibid.)
Porto Nuovo [ibid.)
Porto Vecchio (Coast of Italy)
Porto Vecchio (Corsica)
Porto Veuere (ibid.)
Precuba Point (ibid.)
Pouillac Town
Poulquain Harbour
Pourville Village
La Prée Fort
Q
Queler Island
Querbel Wood
Quernevcl Bank
Queroman's Mansion-house
Windmill
Querqueville Point
Quibcron Point
Quillebeuf Town
Quimper River
PAGE
4»
72
87
"5
58
2Z
«5
79
8s
72
59
66
60
72
60
36
23
42
65
no
67
1 06
131
118
140
118
«32
132
132
134
126
126
116
127
89
75
16
79
R
56
69
69
69
69
28
70
21
66
Rafauelo Mountain (Corsica)
Ranee, or Dinan River
Ranee Road
Ralonneau Island
Ratier Bank
Ratti, or Ratourni Rock
Raz Blanchard, or Race of Alderney
Raz de Baune
Raz des Saintes, or Passage du Raz
Refées Rocks
Reguel Islands
Repentie Point
Roads of Havre
Rocarbel Rock
Roccapina Point
Roche Blanche
Roche Bonne
Roche Douvre
Roche d'Etretat
Rochelle Road . u
Rochers du Porsal
Rondana Cape (Corsica)
Roscou, or Roscof Harbour
Rousse Rock
Roustel Rock
Royan Road
Ruffiatt
Russel, Little Rock, or Little Ruau
Russcl, Great Rock
Rutteinge Bank
S
Saddle, or Bull Rock
Saissies of Larmor
Sambule Rock
Sandele Bank
Sanguinara Island and Rocks (Corsica)
Sardineras Rocks (ibid.)
Santa Giulia Cove {ibid.)
Santa Manza {ibid.)
Santa Suera Island {ibid.)
Sark Island
Savenelles
Sauzon Harbour
Servi Island (Corsica)
Seudre Channel
Seine River
Seinte (Great and Little) Steeples
Seven Isles
Sézembre Island
Siboure Town
Socoa Harbour
Solidore
PACE
126
40
39
108
21
123
29
28
58
32
44
80
18
42
130
45
80
42
>7
120
45
32
32
88
88
3»
32
7
68
33
6
133
»33
125
126
125
31
22
72
I2y
83
20
4
42
39
92
92
40
INDEX.
PACE
Solinsara (Corsica)
Somme River
Soulac Church
Splinter Bank
Stevencc Rock
Slonebank
SIroom Bank
St. Ambrosia Cove (Corsica)
St. Andrew's Castle (Gulf of Spezzia)
St. Aubin Bay
St. Brieuc Harbour
St. Catherine's Bay (Jersey)
St. Catherine's (Flanders)
St. Catherine's Convent (L'Orient)
St. Clement's Point - - ..
St. Cyprian's Cape and Island (Corsica) izz
St. Damiano Cove (ibid.) - 138
St. Elme's Road - - '°9
St. Fiorenzo Town (Corsica) - '4°
St. Francis' Convent (Gulf of Ajaccio in
122
>3
86
7
60
6
6
138
116
35
4«
3S
I
68
35
Corsica)
St. George's Steeple
St. George's Windmills
St. Germain's Church
St. Gildas Steeple
Saint Gilles
St, Helier's Town
St. Honorât Isle
St. Jean du Doigt Harbour
St. yean de Luz
St. John's Island
St. John's Road
St. Malo
St. Margaret Isle
St. Martin's Bank
St. Martin's Point
St. Martin's Church
St. Mary's Castle (Gulf of Spezzia)
St. Mary's Point
St. Mary's Road (Corsica)
St. Mary's Islands ('bid.)
St. Matthew's Cloister
St. Matthew's Point
St. Michael's Mount
St. Michael's Island (L'Orient Harbour) 68
'33
4
88
28
73
77
35
IIZ
44
9«
108
1 1
39
iiz
78
3«
33
«'7
33
120
141
S3
55
3
St. Vaast Village
St. Valéry sur Somma
St. Valéry en Caux
Sables d'Olonne Town
Soubise
Talais Bank
Tallemont Bank
Tas de Foin Rocks
Tavignano River (Corsica)
Toro Rock {ibid.)
Teignouse Rock
Tendeoc Rock
Terrier de l'Attache Sand-down
Three Fountains Point (Corsica)
Three Stones Rock
Three Vailles
Testa Point (Corsica)
Têtes d'Aval
Tiscara Cove (Corsica)
Tissano Point {ibid.)
Tissano Tower {ibid.)
Tolare Tower (iôirf.)
Torre di la Sponzaglia {ibid.)
Torreau, or Torro Castle
Toulinguet Rocks
Toulon
Tour de Bas Steeple
Tour d'Ordre
Touque River
Trcguier River
Trapegeer, or Cams Bank
Trcport
Triagons Rocks, or Treacle Pots
Trouville Bank
Truyes Rocks
Two Brothers
Tupet's House (Guernsey)
Turk's Bank
St. Nazaire
St. Nicholas de Cotecote Church
St. Owen's Bay
St. Palais Steeple
St. Peter's Town (Guernsey)
St. Peter's Church of Royal
St. Pol de Leon
St. Servand Steeple
Saint Tropez
Valbelle Rock
Vandrce Rock
75 Vannes River
15 Valicre Point
35 Vecchiaria Point (Corsica)
87 Vadraro, or Verdara Rock {ibid.)
3 1 Ventilegna Gulf {ibid.)
88 Verdon Road
44 VeuUes Village
39 Vieille Rock
1 1 1 Vilaine River
PACK
16
7«
83
88
83
59
izz
I as
71
54
88
130
»7
16
141
33
130
130
130
'^\
120
45
Sf
109
74
12
21
4a
4
14
43
21
63
109
3*
69
54
58
72
«7
139
125
129
87
16
60
73
y ilia Franca (Coast of Italy)
Vinotieie Rock
Vinotiere (Petite) Rock
Ushant Island, or Oaessant
w
Waldam Church
Wall Church
INDEX.
PAGE
S3
ss
S3
Wall Castle
fVh ihs Rocks, or Rochers des Baleines
mihruert, or Wilbert Bank
Women's Island
S Zillé Tower (Corsica)
34 Zudcote Steeple
PACK
3»
79
7
44
132
4
FINIS.
r/ ,
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