Krishna Shoal Light-Vessel.-To be exhibited, between sunset and sunrise, a blue light every half hour, and a maroon at the intermediate quarter hours.

25.-CHINA SEA.-Cochin-China.-Almazon, Duchaffaut, and Althea Banks.-On examination it has been found that Almazon and Duchaffaut banks are a portion of a series of shoals separated by channels, with depths of 6 to 9 fathoms. The base of these shoals is red rock, and the higher heads, one of which is covered by 4 fathoms water at low tide, are mushrooms of coral. Large vessels should keep clear of these shoals, especially if there is any swell. Althea bank could not be found, although the Bourayne passed over the position given it in the Sailing Directions several times.

26.-CHINA.-EAST COAST.-Yangtse-Kiang.-Wusung River Entrance. Alterations of Lights and Buoys.-The foundation of Lismore wreck lighthouse having been removed, Wusung outer bar light-vessel has been shifted to the site of that lighthouse; one cable southward of her former station. Also the following alterations have been made in the light exhibited on the west side of Wusung river entrance:-The light (fixed) now shows white from the river bank north-west of the lighthouse to the bearing of S. 2° W.; green between the bearings S. 2° W. and S. 591° W.; white over the navigable channel of the entrance between S. 594° W. and S. 721 W.; and red between S. 721 W. and the opposite bank of Wusung river. Variation, 21° W.

Also the following alteration has been made in the position of Wusung outer bar buoy:-This buoy (red and black in vertical stripes) on the western side of Wusung river entrance, has been moved one cable eastward of its former position.

Note.-Wusung outer bar is subject to frequent changes, but at present (August, 1878) the deepest water will be found from half a cable to one cable northward of the bar light-vessel.

27.-JAPAN.-Meac-Sima-Group.-Commander G. H. Perkins, U.S.N., reports that this group appears clear of hidden dangers and safe to approach from all directions except from the northeastward, in which direction a reef extends about 3 miles from a rock lying east-north-easterly, about mile from the N.E. point of

Taka-Sima. This reef appears to run N.E. about 1 miles (curving slightly to the southward), and thence N. W. about 1 miles to a point distant about 2 miles from the N.E. point of Taka-Sima, and bearing from the latter about N.E. by N. A boat from the Ashuelot was sent to examine this reef, and two uncovered rocks were found lying, one about 3 cables off the N.E. point of Taka-Sima, and the other about 1 cables outside the first, bearing E.N.E. from the N.E. bluff of Taka-Sima. Between these rocks, and between the first and the island of Taka-Sima, soundings were taken by the boat, but no bottom found at 20 fathoms. The reef is marked by strong tide-rips extending from the outer of the two rocks above mentioned, to which the southern extremity of the reef appears to be joined, along its entire length to its north point. Native fishermen stated that between the reef and the north end of Taka-Sima the soundings vary from 10 to 70 fathoms (very irregular), and that between the N.E. point of Taka-Sima and the first rock lying E.N.E. from it there is a passage with a depth of 70 fathoms. An islet, represented on the charts to lie 1 mile N.W. by N. from Taka-Sima, was found to lie only 2 cables from that island, and about 1 cable S.W. from the islet is a rock. In the passage between Taka-Sima and the island next to S.W. of it, an uncovered rock was found to lie a little south of mid-channel, and in the passage between this rock and Taka-Sima no bottom was found at 20 fathoms. About of a mile south of the rocks immediately off the S.W. end of Kusa-Kaki is a double-headed rock, well above high water, which would be dangerous to a vessel navigating near these islands in thick weather. The passage between this rock and the rocks near the S.W. end of the island appeared to be clear. The Asheulot passed through several times, but saw no indications of hidden dangers, and found no bottom at 80 fathoms. Close to shore, on the west side of Kusa-Kaki, are two rocks which uncover at low water. South of Taka-Sima there is an anchorage in from 30 to 40 fathoms, bottom of rock, gray sand, broken shells, coral, and pebbles, which furnishes a lee during northerly winds; in a gale, however, there would be a heavy swell, and the holdingground is not good. The South peak of Taka-Sima was found by

barometric measurements to be 613 feet high, and the north peak is a little higher. Variation, 33° W.

28.-JAPAN.-Vincennes or Pallas Rocks.-The boats of the Ashuelot passed between and around the rocks forming this group, but saw no signs of hidden dangers. Soundings were taken with the following results:-1 cables S.E. of the North rock 75 fathoms; and 1 cables S.E. of the South rock 80 fathoms; bottom of gray sand and broken shells. Position of South rock, by good observations, lat. 32° 13′ 12′′ N., long. 128° 4′ 39′′ E.

29.-UNITED STATES.-Virginia.-Change of Light at Naval Hospital Wharf, Elizabeth River.-This light is now exhibited from a mast 45 feet in height, erected 60 feet to the north of the former light station, and the light is changed from fixed white to fixed red. The bearings and distances will remain substantially the same as those of the former light. The old structure will stand as a day-mark.

30.-UNITED STATES.-Long Island Sound.- Light on Race Rock. The new structure stands on Race rock, off the western point of Fisher's island, north side of the entrance to Long island sound. The light shows alternate red and white flashes at intervals of thirty seconds, with short periods of total eclipses; elevated 68 feet above low water, and visible 14 miles. The lighthouse consists of a dwelling and tower resting on a circular granite pier, with a rectangular landing-wharf. The tower is square at the base, octagonal above, and is surmounted by a lantern painted black. A fog-bell, struck by machinery, will be sounded during foggy weather, giving two blows in quick succession every twenty seconds. Approximate position, lat. 41° 14′ 35′′ N., long. 72° 02′ 51" W.

31.-UNITED STATES.-New York.-Stratford Shoals LightStation, Middle Ground, Long Island Sound.-This light is now flashing white, at intervals of fifteen seconds, instead of flashing red and white at intervals of thirty seconds.

32.-CANADA.-Bay of Fundy.-Machias Seal Island, Alterations in Eastern Light.-This light, exhibited from a tower recently erected, to replace the Eastern lighthouse on Machias Seal island, is a fixed white light, elevated 66 feet, and visible 14 miles. The

lighthouse, 53 feet high, octagonal in shape, built of wood and painted white, bears S.E. from the West lighthouse, distant 64 yards. Position as given, lat 44° 30′ 5′′ N., long. 67° 6′ 15′′ W. Note.-Machias Seal island lights in line bearing N.W., lead about 4 miles seaward of Murr ledges.

HYDROGRAPHIC NOTICES RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY THE
HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE, ADMIRALTY, 1878.

No. 41.-WEST INDIA PILOT, Vol. II., Notice 5; Jamaica; information on Black river and Dry harbour.

No. 42.-EASTERN ARCHIPELAGO, Notice 17; information relating to Balabac strait, Sulu sea, Macassar strait, and Gillolo

passage.

No. 43.-WEST INDIA PILOT, Vol. II.,

Notice 6;

information

relating to Puerto Rico and Cuba.

No. 44.-PACIFIC OCEAN, Notice 44; information relating to islands in the western part of the South Pacific.

POSITION OF COLOURED SIDE-LIGHTS.-Our excellent contemporary, the Shipping and Mercantile Gazette, in an otherwise useful article on the subject of the position of side-lights, makes a statement, which, if not contradicted, is likely to cause much trouble and delay. Our contemporary (December 3rd) informs his readers that the Board of Trade Surveyors instructed to see that the lights and screens of lading vessels are fixed on the shrouds of the fore-rigging." Our contemporary has omitted the word "not."

66 are

INCORRECT CHART.-We think it right to caution our readers against an incorrect chart. We refer to the last edition of the chart issued by the Admiralty for the entrance to the Baltic, The Sound Sheet No. 2. It is in error by one point variation westerly. Master mariners navigating by this chart will get their ships ashore unless they first correct it.

OUR OFFICIAL LOG.

[It will be seen from the following that the discussion on the subject of "Watch and Watch" initiated in our columns is likely to bear good fruit. We hope to be enabled to refer again to this matter before long.-ED. N.M.]

OPINIONS OF THE LOCAL MARINE BOARDS AS TO WHETHER A THIRD MATE MAY LEGALLY AND PROPERLY BE ALLOWED TO TAKE CHARGE OF A WATCH.

ABERDEEN.—That there would be no impropriety or illegality in allowing a third mate to take charge of a watch on board ship provided he be in possession of a second mate's certificate or a certificate of a higher grade.

BELFAST. That if by a third mate is meant an uncertificated person the master would be responsible; sometimes certificated officers are styled third and fourth mates, and in that case such officers would be responsible, but not otherwise.

BRISTOL.-See no objection to allow a third mate to take charge of the bridge equally with the first and second officers, provided only that the third mate be possessed of at least a second mate's certificate of competency.

CORK.-See no illegality or impropriety in the establishment of the three watch system, provided the third officer is in possession of a certificate of competency for at least the grade of second mate, and that (outside the engine room department) the system be not extended beyond the responsible officers.

DUBLIN. That it would not be either improper or illegal to allow the third mate to take charge of the bridge equally with the first and second officers, provided he holds a certificate of competency as second mate and the ship is in the open seas, but not when in crowded or pilotage waters.

DUNDEE. Feel that they are not in a position to give an opinion on the point submitted.

GREENOCK. That they see no objection to the practice in question if the third officer holds a certificate of competency.