FREGATES FRANÇAISE Basse de

FREGATES FRANÇAISE Basse de, the name given by La Perouse to a dangerous reef of sunken rocks which he discovered in the Pacific ocean. On the north-west extremity of this reef they perceived an islet or split rock from 20 to 25 fathoms in height and about 50 toises in diameter. From this islet the reef extends more than four leagues to the south-east; and upon the extremity of the point in that direction, the frigates had almost struck before the breakers were observed. This was during a fine clear night and smooth sea. With great propriety, the Commodore returned in the morning to ascertain the geographical situation of this unknown rock; and he estimated the islet to be in $23^\{\backslash circ\}\; 45\text{'}\; N.\; Lat.$ and $168^\{\backslash circ\}\; 10\text{'}\; W.\; Long.$ from Paris.