CHAPTER VI. 



LAKEMBA AND SAVU-SAVU. 

 1840. 



It has been stated that the Porpoise parted company with the Vin- 

 cennes on the 8th May, off the island of Fulanga. From that time, 

 until June 9th, when I met her at Somu-somu, Lieutenant-Comman- 

 dant Ringgold had been engaged in the survey of the eastern islands 

 of the group ; and it is now time that I should revert to the operations 

 in which he had been engaged. 



A heavy gale blowing from the southward and eastward for several 

 hours, and which afterwards hauled to the northeast, was followed, 

 after it moderated, by heavy rain. These prevented the surveys 

 from being commenced as early as I had hoped. When it cleared off, 

 the work was begun at the southeast island, called Ongea. There 

 are, in fact, two islands enclosed in the same reef, called Ongea-levu 

 and Ongea-riki. A good entrance was found on the northwest side 

 of the reef, and a harbour, to which the name of Port Refuge was 

 given ; but there is little or no inducement to enter it, for the islands 

 are barren, and no water is to be found. A few wretched inhabitants 

 are on them. The position of these islands is given in the tables. 



Three miles to the southward and eastward of Ongea is a dan- 

 gerous reef and sand-bank, called Nugu Ongea. 



Fulanga was the next examined. This is a fine island, surrounded 

 by the usual coral reef, which has an entrance through it on the 

 northeast side, suitable for small vessels, that expands into a large 

 basin, with many islets and reefs, where large quantities of biche de 

 mar have been gathered. The boats circumnavigated this island, 

 and their crews were on shore all night, in consequence of having 



vol. in. 44 



