LAKEMBA AND SAVU-SAVU. 179 
Susui lies next to Vanua-valavo, and between it and Munia. It is 
divided into three parts, of which the easternmost is low, and 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-Comman- 
dant 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 ascend- 
ing 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-valavo to 
the large reef does not admit of a passage for vessels between them. 
