TABLE IV. Daily rate of Brockbanks, 425, with the compass in the third position. NAUTICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE COAST OF WALES.-No. 1. Grassholm, the Barrels, the Hats, and the Smalls.*—By Lieut. W. L. Sheringham, R.N. As we consider that a correct nautical description of a coast even in the absence of any correct charts is of great service to seamen, we have commenced here a series of papers describing the shores of this country, Hats, Barrels, &c.—The uncertainty as to the proper names, and position of these shoals has given rise to much confusion. This it is hoped will be now greatly removed by assigning distinct names to each. However these names may have originated, as they appear familiar to every seaman on the coast; and certainly by them associated with the locality in which they are found; it was deemed prudent to retain them. Norie, in his St. George Channel, gives the name of Hats and Barrels, to one shoal, nearly equi-distant between the Smalls and Grassholm. Lewis Morris calls the Hats and Barrels, a long extent of foul ground, stretching off to the southward, intending occasionally to continue them in future numbers, while the Surveys from which they are constructed, remain preparing for publi cation. GRASSHOLM. Lies W.N.W. from the west end of Skomer island, distant from it rather more than six miles; it is in shape an oblong, lying N.E. and S.W., about three quarters of a mile in circumference. Grassholm is composed of trap rock, and its rugged shores are scarcely approachable. The best landing place is at the west end, between the clefts of the rocks, from whence there is a tolerably easy ascent to the summit. Although scanty patches of grass are seen, there is not sufficient food on the whole island for half a dozen sheep, neither is there any water to be found. This island is occasionlly visited in the summer for the purpose of collecting the eggs of the sea fowl, which literally swarm there, and are so tame as to be easily taken from their nests by hand. Grassholm is a conspicuous object from the sea, being frequently the first land made coming from the south and westward; its highest point, which is near the centre of the island, is about 146 feet above-low water spring tides. There are no off lying dangers, but as the tides set with great velocity on it, occasioning a complete race at the N.E. and S.W. ends; and a strong eddy or indraft on the lee or opposite side to the tide, which extends upwards of a quarter of a mile from the island, some precaution ought to be observed in approaching it, particularly in light winds, when it might be dangerous to get within the edge of the true tide. Its position is as follows:-Lat. 51° 43' 54" N., long. 5° 28' 40" W. and bears From St. Ann Lighthouse The Smalls ditto S. 59° W. or S.W.ьW.4W. 12 “ S. entrance to Ramsey sound S. 67° W. or W.S.W. THB BARRELS. 9 " Three of these rocks dry a little after half tide, or the last quarter ebb. They lie W. N. from the center of Grassholm; distant exactly three miles. The Barrels, although generally shewing themselves by a heavy and connected with the Smalls. The rocks which in these directions are called the Barrels, and known as such to the local Packet seamen, he calls Skittle Bottom. This name, together with the Pope, the Monk, and the Mascus, has been omitted, as the three last shoals do not exist; and the first is a name likely to mislead. breaking sea, must be approached with caution, as at or near high water, in light winds and no swell with a lee tide, they are very difficult to be seen. The tide sets over them with great strength, particularly at springs: this causes so strong an eddy on the opposite side that the indraft ought to be carefully guarded against. Although the rocks which dry occupy but a small space, the foul ground or tail of the shoal extends some distance, particularly to the S.W. and N.E.; it would be highly imprudent therefore to approach them nearer than half a mile. The following mark leads over the dry rocks; viz. Llaethdy rock which is the small mountain near St. David Head, just shewing clear of the north part of the Ramsey Mountain. The clearing marks will be given in the directions for sailing near them. Lie N.W. from the Barrels, and distant from them nearly two miles and a half. As this danger never dries, great caution is requisite when sailing near their position. Independently of the little water over them at low water, from eight to ten feet, there is generally at springs with a weather tide particularly a most terrific sea on them. The shoal is not of large extent, but the depth of water is so irregular near it, and the tides so rapid causing great overfalls, that seamen cannot be too much on their guard. The following mark leads over them: viz. Llaethdy Rock just within the point of Ramsey island. St. Ann Lighthouse They bear from N. 54° W. or N.W.W. -165 miles 2 66 103 THE SMALLS Are a cluster of low bare trap rocks, about one-fifth of a mile in length, and one-twelfth of a mile in width; they extend in a N.E.b.N. and S.W.b.S. direction, and are never entirely covered. Upon the largest of the group which is the westernmost rock, and about 130 yards long, the Lighthouse is erected. The lanthorn is raised upon piles, having the lightkeeper's dwelling immediately under it; which is got at from the rock by means of a rope or Jacob's ladder. The following is the description of the light, as copied from the Admiralty Notice of British Lighthouses. "No. of lights-One. Fixed. Colour-Bright. "Distance seen in clear weather-15 miles. "Seen all round. Colour of lighthouse or any peculiarity-Red. "Lanthorn above high water, 70 feet. Height of building, 58 feet. There are several detached sunken rocks, which lie at some distance from the main group; viz. No. 1.-The S.W. Rock.-This dries at the last quarter ebb, and bears from the lighthouse S. 70° W., or W.b.S.3S., distant nearly a quarter of a mile. Between this rock and the lighthouse there are two others, nearly in the same line, and about equi-distant from each other. These also dry at low water. No. 2.-The E. Rock, which bears from the lighthouse S. 60° 20' E., or about S.b.E.E., and distant from it a quarter of a mile. This rock is about a-wash at low water spring tides; and, therefore, must be carefully avoided, when sailing between the Smalls and the Hats. No, 3.-The N.E Rock. This bears from the lighthouse N.E.E., distant about quarter of a mile, and is also nearly dry at low water, it is very dangerous when sailing near the Smalls to the northward. Outside or west of the lighthouse there is nothing off-lying, and the rock may be approached to within a quarter of a mile. The landing place is on the south side of the lighthouse, protected by the southern ledge of high water rocks; at low water it forms a sort of cove, but when the tide is up the water flows through. It may be observed, however, that it is not often that a safe landing can be effected on these rocks; and the signal from the lighthouse, whether it is practicable or not, is a Ball-Yes. Ensign-No. The rocks of this group have a powerful effect upon the needle, for, when a common steering compass was placed o them it deflected, at least, four points, and became motionless—by the box being gently raised it gradually recovered its activity, and at the distance of six feet from the rock it regained its proper action. Something, perhaps, may be attributed to the numerous iron bolts which are let into the rocks, but as care was taken to place the compass as far removed as possible from them, certainly the effect produced could only be in a small degree attributable to their influence. The following is the position of the Smalls lighthouse; viz. Latitude 51° 43' 17" 1 N., longitude 5° 40' 5" 6 W., and bears from |