than a mile, with Bélengar Mills open 2° to the right of the La Corcé Rock. On the opposite side of Lampaul Bay a rocky ledge extends some distance from the land, and dries in several places. The outermost rock of this ledge is named Leurvas Rock, and is 4 feet above the sea at low water. There are many other rocks on the eastern side of the island, so that in using the Fromveur Channel, it is necessary to give the island a good berth in order to avoid them.

On the northern side of the island are two bays, frequented only by the native vessels, which occasionally anchor here. The most eastern one, named Stiff Bay, is dangerous, on account of several rocky ledges in it, and is quite open to gales from the north-east. The other bay on the western side of the island is called Beninou Bay, and is well sheltered to the westward by a small island named Keller; here small vessels may anchor in 8 to 12 fathoms, sand and rocky bottom, and ride secure from all winds except those from the northward.

The lighthouse on the north-eastern end of the island shows an excellent fixed light, at 272 feet above the sea, visible in clear weather to the distance of 6 leagues. Its position is lat. 48° 28′ 31′′ N., and long. 5° 3′ 17′′ W.

The magnetic bearings from different parts of the English Coast are as follow:

MILES.

From St. Catharine's Point in the Isle of Wight......W.S.W. W...... .192 From the Bill of Portland

.S.W. by W. W. ...157

The same bearings from the west side of Ushant to different points southward are:

From Keller Island a rocky ledge extends 1 mile to the westward, and dries in various places. Its outermost ledge, named the Basse Callet, has 11 fathoms on it, with 37 to 40 fathoms close-to; but immediately within it is much shoaler water, so that no attempt must be made to go within it and the island, and vessels in approaching this part of Ushant would do well not to go nearer the lighthouse than 4 and 5 miles. The marks for the Basse Callet are the lighthouse in one with the centre of Keller Island and the Bélanger Mills in one with the western part of Callet Rock.

Nearly 2 miles to the south-westward of the Jument Rock on the southern side of Lampaul Bay, is Ushant Bank, a shoal about 1 miles long and half a mile broad, on which are 26 to 32 fathoms, bottom of broken shells. Around it on all sides are 50 to 60 fathoms, with the same description of bottom, and between it and Ushant are 50 to 26 fathoms.

The tide flows at Ushant, on the days of full and change, at 3 h. 46 min.; springs rise 21 feet, and on the coast to the eastward 24 to 26 feet. In the offing the stream continues to run for 3 hours after the time of high water. In the Passage du Four the tides set strongly, the flood northward and the ebb southward, but between the Ile de Bas and Ushant the same tides set

eastward and westward. The variation of the compass here is 25° 15′ W. The space to the south-westward of Ushant, between it and St. Matthew's Point, is thickly besprinkled with craggy and rocky islets, having numerous channels among them. Of these channels or passages, those most frequently used are the Fromveur Channel and the Chenal du Four.

THE FROMVEUR CHANNEL, immediately to the eastward of Ushant, is about 1 mile wide, and has a depth of 25 to 33 fathoms. Here the tide runs very rapidly, generally exceeding 4 knots; so that the passage must be considered as dangerous, and only to be used in cases of necessity, and then only with the tide. The course through is about E. by N. and W. by S. The northern side of the channel is bounded by a reef of rocks, showing in many places at low water, which line the shore of Ushant, and extend from it to the distance of about a mile. Coming through the channel from the northwards, the first rock met with on the eastern side of the channel will be the Loédoc, always above water, and at a short distance to the west of this is another named Men Tensel, which dries 13 feet, the two rocks being connected by a rocky ledge mostly under water. A little to the south of this is a group of rocks named the Bannec, dry at all times; and there are several other dangers still farther to the southward.

To

Les Pierres Vertes, or the Green Stones, is the south-western patch of the group of islets and rocks between Ushant and the main. It is a patch of sunken rocks which become dry in several places at low tide, at that time appearing about 7 feet above the surface of the water; its marks are Ar Men Guen Gondichoc Rock seen between the barracks and semaphore on Molene Island, bearing E. by S. a little southerly, and Bannec Rock N E. E. the south-eastward of this, about 4 miles, is another patch of rock named the Cleu Basseven, and about 1 miles farther on is the Buffalo, a sunken rock having but 2 feet on it, upon which H.M.'s ship Magnificent was unfortunately wrecked in 1804. Near the Buffalo are the Pierres Noires, or Black Rocks, which are always above water, and have 17 to 15 fathoms close to them. From the Pierres Noires a ledge of rocks, of which some are above and some under water, extends to the eastward almost to St. Matthew's Point, and is named the Chaussée des Pierres Noires. The most prominent of this ledge are named the Chimnies, le Ranvel, Basse Large, &c. But the whole group of islets and rocks to the eastward of Ushant will be better understood by an inspection of the chart, than by any description of them that we could give. Many of the Black Rocks' group dry at low tide, and are so steep, that the soundings along them, at no great distance, vary from 48 to 32 fathoms. the distance of about 5 miles to the southward of them there is good anchorage, with easterly winds, in 35 fathoms, fine sand; and at 6 miles distance, the depths are from 45 to 40 fathoms, with sand, and nearly the same thence to the southward.

At

THE PASSAGE DU FOUR is the channel between this group and the shore. In coming from the northward, the first rock met with is the Four or Oven, so named from its appearance to an oven; it is a large black rock always above water, lying about a mile from the French Coast, and E. S., 11 miles, from Ushant Lighthouse, and appears very conspicuous when leaving the Isle of Ushant to sail to Brest. About a mile to the westward of the Four is a small patch of 5 to 6 fathoms, named the Basse Boureau, lying with Landunevès Church in one with the southern part of the Isle de Jock, and St. Matthew's Point seen open 17' to the right of Point de Corsen; between this patch and the Four Rock are from 12 to 22 fathoms. Nearly 24 miles to the W. by S. S. of the Four Rock is a dangerous shoal named the Basse Meur, of which the exact soundings are not known, but the depth around it is from

28 to 35 fathoms; it lies with St. Matthew's Lighthouse appearing between the peninsula of Kermorvan and Kermorvan Point, and Landunevès Mill in one with a rock close to the shore named Little Melgorne. Within Basse Meur Rock, and close to the shore, are a number of dangerous reefs, of which some appear just above the water at low tide, but as they are out of the track of vessels we shall not attempt to describe them.

On the opposite side of the Passage du Four are several dangerous ledges, the outermost of which is the Basse St. Charles, a small patch of 7 fathoms, lying 24 miles from the Basse Meur; it lies with Ploumoguer Church in line with a small rock close to the shore named the Goaltock, and has around it a depth of 12 to 25 fathoms; bottom of sand, rock, and broken shells. About three-quarters of a mile to the south-eastward of this is the Basse St Louis, a patch having no more than 24 fathoms upon it, with similar soundings close-to; its marks are Portzpoder Church open a little to the right of the Great Liniou Rock, and La Helle Rock open 38' to the left of Molene Island. A short distance to the southwestward of this is another patch of 7 fathoms.

To the S. by E. † E., about 1 mile, from the Basse St. Louis, and about midway between the shore and the Plateau de la Helle is a bank of rocks about three-quarters of a mile in extent, named the Platresses. Several heads of rocks appear at low tide, at which time they are from 1 to 12 feet above the surface. The mark that clears them to the northward is Plouarzel Church appearing between the Fourches Rocks bearing S.E. by E. E.; and to the southward, the ruins of Trezien Mill in one with Goaltock Rock bearing E. by S. S. This rocky bank is situated on the western side of the Four Channel, and between it and the shore are several shoal patches of from 1 to 4 fathoms. The northernmost of these dangers named La Valbelle, a small rock of 10. feet water, lies with Plouarzel Church seen between the Fourches Rocks; and the southernmost, a patch of 8 feet, named the Tendoc, lies with the Trezien Mill in one with Goaltock Rock.

In sailing through the Passage du Four, the leading-mark is St. Matthew's Lighthouse in one with the extremity of Kermorvan Point, but it is necessary to follow this very strictly, especially when near the Platresses, the passage between this rocky bank and La Valbelle being but little more than half a mile wide. In going through from the southward the soundings will be 8 to 10 fathoms increasing in depth as you proceed.

To the westward of the Platresses, about half-way between them and the islands south of Ushant, is a high rock, named La Helle, which appears like a ship under sail. This rock is situated upon an extensive bank of the same name, which is dangerous throughout its extent, as many heads of the rocks appear just above the surface when the tide is down. The passage between this bank and the Platresses is about 1 mile wide and has from 8 to 26 fathoms in it, upon a very irregular rocky bottom.

Between La Helle Bank and the islands to the south-west, there is no safe passage which can be used by a stranger, on account of the numerous rocks that lie about.

The coast on the eastern side of the Passage du Four is extremely irregular, and bordered with numerous ledges and rocky patches, which would render an approach to it very dangerous. Near the Four Rock, and immediately behind Ichock Islet, is the small village of Argenton with its dry sandy cove; and at three-quarters of a mile more to the south-westward is the village of Portzpoder, the approaches to both places being encumbered with rocks. At 2 miles further on in the same direction, following the line of coast, is the inlet of Laberildut, which dries at low water. It is frequented only by small

vessels, which run in, with the steeple of Lanildut, at the head of the inlet, in one with the spire of Brélès, situated farther in the country; and when they have the entrance open they steer direct for a rock at the mouth of the inlet, and bear up towards the village.

About 6 miles to the southward of Laberildut, and 24 miles to the northward of St. Matthew's Lighthouse is Kermorvan Point, on which there is a lighthouse, showing a fixed light at 72 feet above the sea, visible about 12 miles in clear weather. If kept in one with the light on St. Matthew's Point, it will lead through the Passage du Four.

Another

Immediately to the northward of Kermorvan Point is the Bay of Blanc Sablon, where there is anchorage in 4 to 7 fathoms water, sandy bottom. Kermorvan Point is rocky, and a short distance off it are two rocks named Le Normand and Petite Vinotière which appear only at low water. rock named the Grande Vinotière lies in the middle of the Passage du Four at three-quarters of a mile from the point; it shows only at low water, at which time it is 9 feet above the surface, so that in sailing through the channel caution is requisite to avoid it.

Conquet Haven is just under Kermorvan Point, at 2 miles to the northward of St. Matthew's Point. It is dry at low water, and rocky ledges extend out from both sides of the entrance. On the south side are the Renards Rocks, which are about a quarter of a mile west of the semaphore, and appear at low water. To sail into the haven proceed carefully in mid-channel that you may not run on these dangers.

In turning to windward, hereabout, you may stand to the eastward until St. Matthew's Abbey comes a capstan-bar's length open to the eastward of the Little Valley, and to the westward, until St. Matthew's Point comes a little open of the point of Conquet Haven. Endeavour not to bring the former 2 ship's length open of the latter point, for should you do so, you will be close to the rocks and banks which lie to the westward of the channel.

ST. MATTHEW'S POINT is distinguished by a lighthouse which exhibits a revolving or intermitting light at 177 feet above the sea. The building is 82 feet high and shows the light to the distance of 18 miles. The flashes succeed each other every half minute, but the eclipses do not appear total when within 7 or 8 miles. The importance of this light will be evident upon an inspection of the chart, as by a single bearing of it, the ship's position. may be determined, and a course thence streered for Brest Harbour.

A small bank, of 5 to 8 feet, named Basse du Chenal lies 1 mile, W. } S., from the lighthouse, on the western side of the Passage du Four. Its mark is Kermorvan Point in one with Portzmoguer Sands, and around it on all sides is deep water. At three-quarters of a mile to the westward of it are some rocks above water named the Bossemens.

Around St. Matthew's Point a ledge of rocks extends some little distance out, and about half a mile to the eastward of the lighthouse, are some rocks above water, named the Rospects, which run out full half a mile from the shore in a south-westerly direction. Close to them there is deep water, so that in rounding the point some little caution is necessary to avoid them. Another patch of rocks, named the Vieux Moines or Old Monks, lies half a mile from the lighthouse, with that building bearing N.E. E. They are above the surface only at low water, at which time they show about 23 feet in height. Between them and the shore are 3 to 4 fathoms, but outside the depth increases to 10 and 12 fathoms.

From the lighthouse the coast continues in an E. by S. S. direction, about 2 miles, to Point Crearc'h-meur, the western side of the Bay of Bertheaume, and upon which there is a fort and beacon. Midway, at three

quarters of a mile from the land, is a rock that uncovers at low water, named the Coq, which lies with the beacon near Fort St. Merzan bearing N.N.W., and Bertheaume Castle in one with the extremity of Point Crearc'h-meur. Between this rock and the land are 8 and 10 fathoms, and a safe passage by keeping near the shore, but it is more usual to sail outside it, as less danger is incurred.

About 1 mile, in an E.S.E. direction, from the Coq Rock is a bank of 5 feet at low water, named the Beuzec; all around is deep water of 8 to 10 fathoms, so that it is extremely dangerous for large vessels. The marks to know it are, when a tower on the shore at the Cove of Bertheaume is brought to bear north of a similar tower on a small island at the west point of Bertheaume, and you also have two small towers on the east points of the Great Cove of Bertheaume together, you will be upon the Beuzec Bank, and the Castle of Bertheaume will bear N.N.E. E. from you, distant a mile; but if these marks are not brought together at the same time, you will pass clear of it.

The anchorage in the road of Bertheaume is in 8, 10, and 12 fathoms, sand and mud. Ships in this road are sheltered from the N.N.E. and N.W. winds. This is commonly named the outer anchorage. But a good mark to avoid the Coq and Beuzec Rocks, passing to the southward of them, is, the lighthouses on the points of Petit Minou and Portzic in one, which will carry you past them, clear of all danger.

BREST HARBOUR.-The approach to the Goulet of Brest is bounded on the south side by an extensive group of rocks and shoals, having amongst them numerous passages, which can be navigated only by those well acquainted. The outermost of these dangers is La Vendrée Rock, a small patch of 6 feet water, which lies with the two peaks of the Siège Rock (in the Ushant group) open a little to the right of the Chimnies Rocks, bearing N.N.W., and the tower of Crozon open 9' to the left of the Fourche Rock, E.S.E. S.. From this rock foul ground of 15 to 16 fathoms extends in a westerly direction about one mile. On all sides of this rocky bank are 20 to 30 fathoms, so that the greatest caution is necessary to avoid it. About half a mile to the E.S.E. of the shoal part of this rocky bank is a small patch of 5 fathoms, named the. Goémant; and at three-quarters of a mile N.E. by E. E. from the same shallow part is another patch of similar depth, named the Astrolabe. The rocks named the Parquetes are situated to the E. of La Vendrée about 2 miles, and bear from St. Matthew's Lighthouse S. W., 44 miles; they dry at low water, and appear at that time about 20 feet above the surface. Around them there is deep water.

The southernmost of this group of rocks is the Basse de l'Iroise, which is a shoal bank of 4 fathoms, lying 24 miles to the S.S.W. W. of La Vendrée. Its marks are Locrist Mill open 3' or 4' to the right of the Chapel of Notre Dame de Grace de St. Matthew; Roscanvel Mill, or Kelernn Peninsula, in one with the most northerly rock off Point Toulinguet; and Landsmarc'h Point in one with the summit of Ménéhon Mountain. To the eastward of this rocky bank, between it and the shore, are numerous other dangers, the position of which will be best seen upon a reference to the chart.

Upon the point of Petit Minou, on the northern side of the Goulet of Brest, has been erected a lighthouse, which exhibits a fixed light at 105 feet above the sea; and another lighthouse has been erected on the point of Portzie, which shows a light revolving every 3 minutes, each flash being preceded and followed by short eclipses, but which do not appear total within the distance of 8 miles. If these lights are kept in one, they will lead to the entrance of Best Channel, clear of the Coq and Basse Beuzec on the north, and the Ven