Dangers and aids.-Great Reef spindle, left on the starboard hand, is an iron spindle with cage; it is placed mile SSW. W. from Norwalk Island Lighthouse, marking a rocky ledge.

Budd Reef is described on page 62.

Several buoys are passed, placed off the north shore to mark the through passage in this part of the Sound. Following the directions just given, some of these buoys may be seen in very clear weather, though the course leads well to the southward of them.

Norwalk Island (west end) or Greens Ledge buoy (bell, red) marks the western end of the ledge making off nearly 14 miles to the westward from Sheffield Island.

Smith Rock buoy (spar, red, No. 22) is off the southern end of a ledge a great part of which is bare at low water; the ledge obstructs the western approach to Darien River entrance; the buoy is nearly 1 mile SW. by W. from Long Neck Point.

The Cows buoy (nun, red, No. 24) is about 1 mile $. from Shippan Point, marking the southern side of the Cows, a group of detached rocks, bare at low water. About 3 miles SSE. from the Cows buoy and off the south shore is Lloyd Point Shoal buoy (bell, black).

Bluefish Shoal buoy (spar, red, No. 26) will not be seen except in beating, or in following the north shore more closely than on the sailing line here given. This buoy is about 14 miles SW. by W. W. from Great Captain Island Lighthouse and mile ENE. from Glover Reef, which is marked by a buoy (spar, red, No. 28).

Porgy Shoal buoy (spar, red, No. 284) marks an 8-foot spot † mile ENE. § E. from Parsonage Point. Execution Rocks are marked by Execution Rocks Lighthouse. The limits of the shoal ground are also marked by several buoys. On the northern end of the shoal ground is a spar buoy (red and black horizontal stripes); vessels entering the southern channel should give this buoy a wide berth. On the eastern side of the shoal is a red spar buoy (No. 30), and on the southwest end of the shoal is a third spar buoy (red and black horizontal stripes). The directions given lead to the southward of the lighthouse, but there is also a good channel to the northward.

6. From Execution Rocks Lighthouse to Throgs Neck Lighthouse.-Passing midway

between Execution Rocks Lighthouse and the black buoy (spar, No. 21) off Sands Point Lighthouse, steer about SW. by W., heading for the houses near the southern end of Hart Island. When Execution Rocks Lighthouse bears NE. N., steer SW. S., heading for Stepping Stones Lighthouse and keeping on the line of these two lighthouses until abreast the southern end of Hart Island. Throgs Neck Lighthouse will be a little open to the westward of Stepping Stones Lighthouse.

When abreast the southern end of Hart Island, steer a little more westerly so as to pass about mile to the northwestward of Stepping Stones Lighthouse, and when this lighthouse bears SE. turn to the southward, course about S. by W. W., keeping Throgs Neck Lighthouse on the starboard bow.

Round Throgs Neck Lighthouse, giving it a berth of about mile when passing to the southward of it. Now conform to the general directions for the East River. If a pilot or a towboat is required, one should be taken before reaching Rikers Island. (See "Pilots," page 49, also heading "East River.")

If desiring to anchor after reaching the western end of Long Island Sound, Hempstead Harbor and City Island Harbor are available and convenient (see page 49, see also these headings). Farther to the westward (see heading "East River") vessels frequently anchor on Hammond Flats (north shore, to the westward of Throgs Neck), and also off Whitestone (south shore).

Remarks. After passing Execution Rocks Lighthouse a group of islands will be seen to the northward; the high red tower is on Davids Island. Nearly in range and bearing about SW. are Gangway Rock buoy (spar, black, No. 23), Stepping Stones Lighthouse, and Throgs Neck Lighthouse. Hart Island, showing a little to the westward of this range, will be recognized by its large barrack-like building, and over Hart Island will generally be seen the masts of vessels lying in City Island Harbor (Hart Island Roads). As Hart Island is approached, Manhasset Harbor will be opened on the south shore, and when past this, City Island Harbor will open to the westward of Hart Island and the wharves and shipyards on the eastern shore of City Island will be When abreast of City Island Harbor, Little Neck Bay will be opened to the southward and the fort at Willets Point (the western point at entrance to Little Neck Bay and directly opposite Throgs Neck) will be distinguished. Opposite Stepping Stones Lighthouse and west of City Island is East Chester Bay, shallow, forming the approach to East Chester Creek (Hutchinson River). Fort Schuyler, the granite fort on Throgs Neck, will appear behind Throgs Neck Lighthouse.

seen.

Caution. On the walls of the granite fort on Willets Point is the following notice: Torpedoes: don't anchor. This is to prevent vessels anchoring near or to the northeastward of the fort.

Dangers and aids.-Gangway Rock buoy (spar, black, No. 23) and Success Rock spindle (red, to the southeastward of the buoy) should be left on the port hand; these aids mark the outer part of a rocky ledge making out from Barker Point, the eastern point at the entrance to Manhasset Harbor.

City Island Shoal buoy (spar, red, No. 32) marks a cluster of rocks to the southwestward of the southern end of City Island; Big Tom, one of this cluster, is awash at low water. This buoy is left well distant on the starboard hand.

Stepping Stones Lighthouse marks the outer part of a dangerous reef, with depths of 2 feet in places, which extends to the southeastward of the lighthouse and from it to the shore. The shoal extends nearly 200 yards to the northward and northwestward of the lighthouse, with depths of 6 to 13 feet.

Extensive flats occupy East Chester Bay, to the westward of the course. Their eastern edge, rising abruptly, with depths of 10 to 13 feet, follows nearly the line of Throgs Neck Lighthouse and the southeastern end of City Island.

Throgs Neck Shoal buoy (spar, red, No. 34) marks a shoal making out from Throgs Neck Lighthouse. Pass to the southward of this buoy, giving it a berth of not less than 50 yards.

The entrance to Little Neck Bay, to the southward of the course, is shoal, the edge of the shoal ground extending to the northeastward from Willets Point, with depths of 10 and 12 feet. By keeping to the westward of the line of Stepping Stones Lighthouse and the fort on Willets Point (bearing N. by E. E. and S. by W. W. from each other) you will be well to the westward of the edge of the shoal.

SAILING DIRECTIONS ALONG THE SOUTH SHORE OF LONG ISLAND SOUND.

From The Race to Roanoke Point Shoal.-In clear weather, having come through The Race and desiring to stand along the south shore, the following directions are available. In thick weather the south shore should be given a much wider berth. With Little Gull Island Lighthouse bearing S. distant 14 miles, make good the course W. S. for 5 miles, until Plum Island Lighthouse bears S., distant about 2 miles; then change course to WSW. W. for 25 miles, until Falkner Island Lighthouse bears NNE. and the black buoy (spar, No. 5) on the northern end of Roanoke Shoal is 1 mile distant on the port beam. Then proceed as directed under section 2 following.

A good general rule to follow is to keep at least 2 miles from the south shore between Horton Point and Old Field Point.

The tidal currents have considerable velocity, setting to the westward on the flood and to the eastward on the ebb. A vessel passing the opening to the westward of Great Gull Island and that to the westward of Plum Island (Plum Gut) may be drawn inshore on the ebb (see page 54).

Caution. To the westward of Plum Island Lighthouse, following the WSW. W.course, note that this course, if held too long, would lead directly for Herod Point Shoal (54 miles to the westward of Roanoke Point Shoal); on the flood a vessel would overrun her reckoning, and if Roanoke Point Shoal buoy were not picked up she might stand on too far before changing course. (See "Tidal Currents," page 23.)

Remarks. On the W. & S. course, Great Gull Island and Plum Island will be left a little over 1 mile to the southward; foul ground between these islands. Plum Island Lighthouse is on the western end of the island, with the opening of Plum Gut and Orient Point Lighthouse just to the westward of it.

When the course is changed to WSW. § W., Rocky Point will be a little on the port bow. A little broader off the port bow will be Terry Point (round, smooth high hill, large house on its top); back of it is Orient. As Rocky Point is approached Horton Point Lighthouse will be opened out (see pages 12-13). After passing Horton Point Lighthouse there are no marked features for a long distance on the south shore by which a stranger could locate himself. Beginning about 5 miles to the westward of Horton Point Lighthouse, the shore shows a succession of yellow bluffs varying in height and crowned with trees; in places the shore slopes to the water gradually, or there is a level space between the bluffs where a small stream flows into the sound. Such features continue as far as Old Field Point Lighthouse (not reached, however, under the directions of this section). Friar Head shows more distinctive features than the other bluffs.

Dangers.-Orient Shoal, between Terry Point and Rocky Point, is marked on its northern side by a buoy (spar, black, No. 3); the shoal has from 7 to 16 feet of water over it. From this buoy Plum Island Lighthouse bears E. & N., distant nearly 5 miles, and Cornfield Point Light-vessel bears N. by W. W., distant 41 miles.

The shore between Rocky Point and Horton Point Lighthouse can be approached to within § mile. For a distance of 6 miles to the westward of Horton Point the shore should be given a berth of at least 1 mile, shoals with 5 to 17 feet extending out mile from the shore to the westward of Horton Point.

Roanoke Point Shoal, 12 miles to the westward of Horton Point Lighthouse, makes out from the shore about 14 miles; the shoal has from 12 to 18 feet of water on it to within mile of the beach, where it shoals to 8 feet. The northern end of this shoal is marked by a buoy (spar, black, No. 5). There is from 11 to 18 fathoms of water to the northward of this shoal, which is very abrupt on its northern side.

Friar Head, near which Roanoke Point Shoal makes out, is 244 feet high and quite prominent. Its upper part has stronger markings and a sharper point than the other bluffs near it.

2.

From Roanoke Point Shoal to Old Field Point.-With the black buoy (spar, No. 5) off Roanoke Point Shoal on the port beam, distant about 1 mile, steer W. N., keeping from 2 to 3 miles off shore until nearly up to Old Field Point Lighthouse, which is passed, leaving it about 1 mile on the port hand. Then proceed as directed under section 3 following.

Remarks.-The south shore between Roanoke Point and Mount Misery, about 2 miles to the eastward of Old Field Point, is a line of yellowish sand bluffs covered with trees, and broken at intervals by low land where small streams flow into the Sound.

The entrance to Port Jefferson is just to the westward of Mount Misery; between Gardiners Bay and Huntington Bay this is the only harbor on the south shore which can be entered at low water by vessels of over 5 feet draft; to carry in the best water local knowledge is necessary. (See heading "Port Jefferson Harbor.")

Old Field Point when seen from the eastward appears quite low, as the land to the eastward of Port Jefferson is comparatively high. In the daytime the lighthouse and keeper's dwelling do not show plainly until within 3 miles of the point; they are backed by the high land of Crane Neck. A tabular description of lighthouses is given on pages 10-17.

Dangers.-Roanoke Point Shoal is described above.

Herod Point Shoal lies about 5 miles to the westward of Roanoke Point Shoal, and makes out from the land for a distance of 14 miles; it has from 10 to 16 feet of water over it. A 10-foot spot lies 14 miles from the shore, and just to the northward of this shoal spot is placed a black buoy (spar, No. 7). The course leads about 1 mile north of the shoal.

A shoal, with from 12 to 16 feet over it, lies 6 miles to the westward of the buoy on Herod Point Shoal. This shoal is about 3 miles long in an E. and W. direction, and it extends 14 miles from the shore at its farthest point, and off its northern edge is a buoy (spar, black, No. 9). A 2-foot spot, mile off shore, lies in a NE. direction from Miller Landing and † mile NW. from Miller Rock.

Mount Misery Shoal has from 7 to 9 feet over it, and lies to the northward of Mount Misery Point, distant about mile from the shore. This is a small patch about mile long in an ENE. and Wsw. direction, and mile broad, marked at its northeastern end by a black buoy (spar, No 11). There is a channel with from 13 to 17 feet of water between this shoal and the point, but it is not used except by small vessels bound in or out from Port Jefferson.

There is a 17-foot spot lying about mile to the northeastward of Old Field Point Lighthouse.
Shoal water extends to the northward from Old Field Point for a distance of nearly mile.

3.

From Old Field Point to Eatons Point.-Passing about 1 mile to the northward of Old Field Point Lighthouse, shape the course W. N. for about 12 miles; this should lead about 14 miles to the northward of Eatons Neck Lighthouse and not over mile to the northward of the black buoy (can, No. 13) marking the shoal which makes off from Eatons Point, and about mile to the southward of the red and black horizontally striped spar buoy marking the 16-foot spot. Passing mile to the northward of black buoy No. 13, the depth should not be less than 22 feet. Farther to the northward there are shoal patches (16 to 21 feet).

Then proceed as directed under section 4 following.

Remarks.-Between the buoy on Mount Misery Shoal and Old Field Point is the entrance to Port Jefferson (see heading). About 2 miles to the westward of Old Field Point Lighthouse is Crane Neck Point, the eastern point of Smithtown Bay (see heading). Eatons Neck Lighthouse bears W. N. from Old Field Point Lighthouse, distant 12 miles.

Dangers.-Mount Misery Shoal is described under section 2 preceding. Off Old Field Point, about & mile NE. E. from the lighthouse, is a 17-foot spot which is not marked. Shoal water extends mile in a north westerly direction from Old Field Point and mile in a northwesterly direction from Crane Neck Point.

Stratford Shoal, in the middle of the Sound, and marked by Stratford Shoal Lighthouse, is described on page 61. Vessels passing to the southward of the lighthouse should give it a berth of at least mile. 8340- -9

The Shores of Smithtown Bay should not be approached nearer than 1 mile, as shoal water extends out over mile in places, except along the west shore of Crane Neck and along the east shore of Eatons Neck; the south shore makes out shoal for a distance of over mile and the shoaling is abrupt.

To the northward of Eatons Point are several rocky patches with 16 to 21 feet over them; to avoid them vessels should either pass not more than about mile to the northward of the black buoy (can, No. 13) off the point, or they should pass at least 3 miles to the northward of the lighthouse, keeping closer to Norwalk Island Lighthouse than to Eatons Neck Lighthouse. The spot with 16 feet of water over it is marked by a buoy (spar, red and black horizontal stripes) placed nearly 11⁄2 miles N. by W. W. from Eatons Neck Lighthouse.

4. From abreast Eatons Point to Execution Rocks Lighthouse. The distance to

Execution Rocks Lighthouse is about 17 miles. The directions of this section should carry not less than 23 feet of water. Passing about 4 mile to the northward of Eatons Point Shoal buoy make good the course W. N. for about 4 miles, leaving Lloyd Point Shoal buoy (bell, black) about mile on the port hand (Stamford Harbor Lighthouse on the north shore will bear about NNW. W.).

Then shape the course WSW.

W. for Execution Rocks Lighthouse, passing at least mile to the northward of Matinicock Point Shoal buoy (spar, black, No. 17), placed about mile north of Matinicock Point. When about 1 mile distant from Execution Rocks Lighthouse, head so as to pass to the southward of this lighthouse, and proceed as directed under section 6, page 63.

Remarks.-Eatons Neck Lighthouse stands on a high bluff. To the westward of the point is Huntington Bay. About 4 miles to the westward of Eatons Neck Lighthouse is Lloyd Point, the eastern point at the entrance to Oyster Bay; when Oyster Bay is well opened, Cooper Bluff, 180 feet high, seen to the southward within the bay, will show as a high yellow sand bluff with trees covering the top. Cold Spring Harbor Lighthouse will be seen over toward the eastern shore of the bay. About 7 miles to the westward of Lloyd Point is Matinicock Point, the eastern point at the entrance to Hempstead Harbor. This harbor when opened will be distinguished by four yellow sand bluffs joining each other and covered with trees on top; these bluffs are on the western shore, about midway between Mott Point and Prospect Point. When approaching Matinicock Point the red tower on Davids Island, Execution Rocks Lighthouse, and Sands Point Lighthouse will be made to the westward, and the houses on Hart Island, to the westward of Execution Rocks Lighthouse, will be made after passing the point.

Dangers and aids.—Several buoys are passed on the south shore between Eatons Neck Lighthouse and Execution Rocks Lighthouse.

Eatons Point Shoal buoy (can, black, No. 13) marks the shoal which makes to the northward and northeastward from Eatons Point. The shoal is rocky, and patches with from 3 to 5 feet over them will be found about mile off shore.

About 1 mile NW. from Eatons Point Shoal buoy is a rocky patch with 16 feet of water over it, marked by a red and black horizontally striped spar buoy; and from 1 to 1 miles N. E. from Eatons Point Shoal buoy are several rocky patches with a least depth of 21 feet.

Lloyd Point Shoal, marked at the northeastern edge by a buoy (bell, black), is the shoal ground making out nearly mile in a northerly direction from Lloyd Point. About mile east of the Point is Morris Rock with 2 feet of water over it.

Center Island Reef, marked on its northwestern edge by a buoy (spar, black, No. 15), is the reef making to the northward from the western point at the entrance to Oyster Bay. Rocks awash at low water are found mile off shore. The depth of 18 feet is found nearly mile to the northward of the buoy.

Matinicock Point Shoal, making out about mile to the northward of the point, is marked by a buoy (spar, black, No. 17).

Prospect Point, about mile to the eastward of Sands Point, has rocky shoal ground making out nearly mile from it to the northward. It shoals abruptly from a depth of 10 fathoms to 17 feet, and has bowlders, the farthest and most important one, the Old Hen (about mile off shore), is awash at low water. The northern extremity of this shoal is marked by a buoy (spar, black, No. 19).

Sands Point Reef, marked by a buoy (spar, black, No. 21), mile off shore, is the shoal making out from Sands Point.

GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR BEATING THROUGH LONG ISLAND SOUND.

While to the eastward of Bartlett Reef Light-vessel (see page 10), when standing to the northward, go about when this light-vessel bears SW. by W. W., or before, and give the northern shores a berth of at least 1 mile. Give the Gull Islands a berth of at least mile.

To the westward of Bartlett Reef Light-vessel, in approaching the north shore, go about before this light-vessel and Race Rock Lighthouse come in range bearing SE. by E.; in approaching Black Point keep at least & mile to the southward of it, and give the shores to the westward of the point a wide berth.

When past Great Gull Island, in standing to the southward, go about when Little Gull Island Lighthouse bears E.

To the westward of Black Point the north shore should not be approached nearer than 14 miles. At night, in standing to the northward, a good rule is to go about when on a line between Bartlett Reef and Cornfield Point light-vessels.

In passing to the southward of Long Sand Shoal, while to the eastward of Cornfield Point Light-vessel in approaching the shoal, go about when this light-vessel bears WSW. W., or before; while to the westward of Cornfield Point Light-vessel, in approaching the shoal, keep this light-vessel bearing to the eastward and northward of E. by S. Vessels of deep draft should avoid Six-Mile Reef (19 feet), which lies 6 miles W. S. from Cornfield Point Light-vessel.

Between Plum Island Lighthouse and Horton Point Lighthouse the south shore should be given a berth of about 14 miles, which will insure keeping clear of Orient Shoal.

To the westward of Long Sand Shoal you can approach the north shore until on a line between Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse and Falkner Island Lighthouse (bearing E. ‡ N. and W. S. from each other), and then going about; this gives the north shore a berth of not less than 1 mile. When within 14 miles of Falkner Island Lighthouse, and to the eastward of it, go about when this lighthouse bears W. N., and keep at least mile to the southward of Falkner Island and Goose Island until to the westward of the latter. It is not advisable for a stranger to beat through to the northward of Falkner Island.

Between Horton Point Lighthouse and Duck Pond Point, about 4 miles to the westward of the former, the south shore should be given a berth of at least 1 miles. Between Duck Pond Point and Roanoke Point Shoal the shore can be approached to within 1 mile, going about when in 6 fathoms, but near Roanoke Point Shoal, or when Falkner Island Lighthouse bears between N. by E. and NNE. E., keep off shore at least 1 miles; the lead can not be depended on to keep clear of Roanoke Point Shoal, as it rises abruptly on its northern side.

Being to the westward of Falkner Island Lighthouse, distant 14 miles or more, go about when this lighthouse bears E. S., and so continue until past Townshend Ledge, or until Southwest Ledge Lighthouse (on East Breakwater at New Haven entrance) bears NW., when the north shore can be approached until Stratford Point Lighthouse bears WSW. Or, being to the westward of Falkner Island Lighthouse, in approaching the north shore go about on shoaling the water to 8 fathoms, and so continue until past New Haven entrance. The southern side of Stratford Point should be given a berth of 2 miles or more, according to draft (see page 61), and give the northern and eastern side of Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground), marked by a lighthouse, a berth of 1 mile.

To the westward of Roanoke Point a stranger should give the south shore a berth of at least 2 miles until within 5 miles of Old Field Point, when the shore may be approached to within 1 mile. At night, go about when Old Field Point Light bears W. until within 2 miles of the light, and then go about when Eatons Neck Light bears W. S. Keep at least mile to the southward of Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground) Lighthouse in passing south of it.

When to the westward of a line between Stratford Shoal Lighthouse and Bridgeport Harbor Lighthouse, go about when Penfield Reef Lighthouse bears W. by S., and do not approach Penfield Reef Lighthouse closer than mile from the southwestward. When 1 mile or more to the westward of Penfield Reef Lighthouse, go about when this lighthouse bears ENE.

In passing the Norwalk Islands, in standing to the northward, do not approach Cockenoe Island (see page 61) nearer than 14 miles, and give the other islands of the group a berth of mile or more. Very large vessels should avoid Budd Reef (27 feet over it, see page 62). Between Old Field Point and Crane Neck Point the south shore can be approached to within mile, but the south shore of Smithtown Bay should be given a berth of not less than 1 mile. In beating, no stranger should approach Eatons Neck Lighthouse nearer than 1 mile. At night, in standing to the southward while between Old Field Point Lighthouse and Eatons Neck Lighthouse, go about when the former bears E. S., or when the latter bears W., and give Eatons Neck Lighthouse a berth of at least 1 mile.