188 LAKEMBA AND SAVU-SAVU. 



covered with thick shrubbery and groves of cocoa-nuts ; the western 

 portion rises in broken basaltic peaks, several hundred feet high, and is 

 thickly wooded. On this island are several villages, and the number 

 of inhabitants is one hundred and fifty. The ground is much better 

 cultivated than is usual, the patches of taro and yams being kept 

 remarkably neat. Good water may be obtained on the northwest 

 side, running from the cliff. On the northwest side, Lieutenant- 

 Commandant Ringgold discovered a beautiful harbour, secure from 

 all winds, whence an extensive valley runs back, thickly covered with 

 bananas, cocoa-nuts, &c, with a small stream running through it. 

 They landed on the smooth sandy beach, accompanied by Tubou and 

 Corodowdow, and took the road to the village, under the guidance of 

 several of the natives. The soil of the plain consisted of a rich loam. 

 After ascending some distance, they reached a settlement surrounded 

 by large banana and other fruit trees. Passing on further, they 

 arrived at a second plantation, pitched on an eminence, where they 

 found the women all at work making native cloth. Quantities of 

 fossil shells were lying about in every direction, and were seen 

 exposed in the strata on the hill-sides. Sugar-cane was growing in 

 great perfection. 



The southern side of the island is in close proximity to the reef 

 that surrounds the cluster. 



Malatta is the next island. It lies near Susui, and is of smaller 

 size than it. It is divided from Vanua-valavo by a narrow passage. 

 The southern part of the latter island is called Lomo-lomo; its northern 

 is called Ava ; it has a good harbour on its east side, opposite Susui, 

 protected by a small islet. On the west side of the island are two 

 openings in the reef, a spacious harbour, and large stream of water. 

 There is a large village at the head of the bay. The population of 

 Vanua-valavo is five hundred. 



Avia is a small island to the northeast of Vanua-valavo. It has a 

 few natives residing upon it. 



On the southern side of the great reef, are two small uninhabited 

 islands. 



These Exploring Islands are well situated for the resort of vessels. 

 The anchorages are very safe and easily reached. They afford an 

 abundance of fruit and vegetables. There are five openings in the 

 large reef, two at the east end, two on the west, and one on the north 

 side, all safe. Vessels wishing to anchor on the western side must 

 enter one of the western passages, as the near approach of Vanua- 



