A P P E N D I X .
Sailing directions fo r the harbor o f Simoda, by Lieut. Wm. L. Maury,
U. S. N.
Yessels bound to the harbor of Simoda, from the southward and westward,
should make Cape Idzu, from which Rock island bears ESE. E.,
distant about six miles; and if the weather is at all clear, the chain of
islands at the entrance of the Gulf of Yedo will at the same time be plainly
visible.
Between Rock island and the main land there are a number of rocks
awash and above water, among which the Japanese junks freely pass, but a
ship should not attempt a passage inside of Rock island, unless in case of
urgent necessity, particularly as the northeasterly current which sweeps
along this coast, seems to be, at this point, capricious, both in direction and
velocity.
Giving Rock island a berth of a mile, the harbor of Simoda will be in
full view, bearing N. -J- W., distant five miles.
Yandalia bluff, on the east side of the entrance, may be recognised by a
grove of pine trees on the summit of the bluff, and the village of Susaki,
which lies about one third of the way between it and Cape Diamond. Cape
Diamond is a sharp point making out to the eastward of the entrance of the
harbor.
Standing in from Rock island, you will probably pass through a number
of tide-rips, but not get soundings with the hand-lead until near the entrance
of the harbor, when you will be in from seventeen to twenty-four fathoms.
Should the wind be from the northward, and fresh, a vessel should
anchor at the mouth of the harbor until it lulls or shifts, or until she can
conveniently warp in, as it is usually flawy and always baffling.
Approaching from the northward and eastward, a vessel can pass on
either Bide of Oho-Sima, from the centre of which Cape Diamond hears
W. by S., distant about seventeen miles.
Between Oho-Sima and Simoda no dangers are known to exist; but the
northeasterly current must be borne constantly in mind, particularly at night
and m thick weather. Its general strength is from two to three miles per
hour; but as this, as well as its direction, is much influenced by the local
winds, headlands, islands, &c., neither can be relied upon.
Should Oho-Sima be obscured by thick weather before reaching Cape
lamond, endeavor to sight Book island, for there are no very conspicuous
objects on the mam land by which a stranger can recognise the harbor at a
distance, and the shore appears as one unbroken line.
To the westward of the harbor there are several sand-beaches, and three
or four sand-banks. These can be plainly discerned when within six or
eight miles, and are good landmarks.
A vessel from the southward and eastward should pass to the westward
of the island of Kozu-Sima,* which may be known by a remarkable snow-
white cliff on its western side. There is also a white patch on its summit
to the northward of the cliff. From this island the harbor bears N. by
W. W., distant about twenty-six miles.
There are but two hidden dangers in the harbor. The first is the
SOUTHAMPTON ROCK,
which lies in mid-chanriel, bearing N. \ W. from Vandalia bluff, about
three-fourths of the way between it and Centre island. The rock is about
twenty-five feet, in diameter, and has two fathoms water upon it. I t is
marked by a white spar-buoy.
The second is the
SUPPLY ROCK,
bearing S. by W., a short distance from Buisako islet; is a sharp rock,
with eleven feet water upon it. Its position is designated by a red spar-
buoy.
Both of these buoys are securely moored, and the authorities of Simoda
have promised to replace them, should they by any cause be removed.
Centre island, which receives its name from being the point from which
the treaty limits are measured, is high, conical, and covered with trees. A
cave passes entirely through it.
In the outer roads, or mouth of the harbor, a disagreeable swell is some*
times experienced; but inside of the Southampton rock and Centre island,
vessels are well sheltered, and the water , comparatively smooth. Moor with
an open hawse to the southward and westward.
There are good landings for boats in Simoda creek, and at the village of
Kakisaki.
A harbor-master and three pilots have been appointed j wood, water,
* This is the most south-western island of the chain of islands lying off the Gulf of Yedo