Quotation from: The Part Borne by the Dutch in the Discovery of Australia 1606-1765

Written by: J.E. Heeres


When in 26 deg. 20' we were in sight of the land, we had 8 degrees decreasing
northwesterly variation of the compass. We then shaped our course north
and north by west, which leaves it due north, if the variation is
deducted. On the 29th of August we made the south-coast of Java, 60 miles
to eastward of the western extremity of the said island, so that if you
are near this South-land in 23, 24 or 25 degrees S. Lat., and shape your
course north by west, which deducting the variation is due
north-north-west, you will strike the coast of Java [*] miles to eastward
of its south-western extremity. Therefore, in order to have a fixed
course from the Cape to Java, it is advisable to set sail from the Cape
de bonne Esperance in June or July, and to run on an eastern course in 36
and 37 degrees Southern Latitude, until you estimate yourself to have
covered a thousand miles to eastward, after which you had better shape
your course north and north by east, until you get into 26 or 27 degrees,
thus shunning the shoal aforesaid which lies off the South-land in 28 deg.
46'.

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