114 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



when the rays of the sun make it impossible to see the coral shoals 

 that are to be avoided. As soon as the harbor of Papeiti opens, the 

 Government Wharf may be steered for, and when to the southward of 

 the middle coral shoal, the anchor may be dropped in 8 and 9 fathoms 

 water. 



In approaching Papeiti Harbor from the north, its position is well 

 pointed out by the Red Hill and Crown, which lie immediately 

 behind it. but as vessels seldom make the island otherwise than from 

 to windward, it is not deemed necessary to give any particular marks 

 for entering by the north, as they would or might tend to mislead ; 

 the whole attention is to be given to the reefs along which the ship 

 will be making rapid way, and the distance being short, there is but 

 little time even to make preparations. Tow-lines and boats should be 

 ready, as, in the event of being obliged to anchor near the entrance, 

 it becomes necessary to either tow or kedge to a suitable berth. If 

 any vessels are lying in port, aid from them in the way of boats may 

 be confidently relied upon. 



The north entrance is somewhat dangerous : the current setting ob- 

 liquely across it, is very apt to throw a vessel on the sea or western 

 reef, if due attention is not paid to turning short round the eastern 

 point, giving the ship all the way possible, in order to shoot her well 

 into the harbor. Every sail ought to be ready to clew up and hand, 

 and the anchor to let go, before the attempt is made, as in all proba- 

 bility the moment the vessel hauls up with yards braced sharp, she 

 may meet a light breeze off the land, which taking her aback, would 

 endanger her being driven out, or on the lee reef: this is more parti- 

 cularly the case when the trade winds are strong, as then the wind is 

 apt to draw off the land. The entrance from the north is the usual 

 one, but I feel satisfied myself that the one by Toanoa Harbor is the 

 safest and least objectionable. 



I have not spoken of the native pilots, who are in attendance, 

 but they are not to be relied upon, except to point out the chan- 

 nel, and all masters of vessels must attend to the working of their 

 ships. 



The harbor of Papeiti is one of the best ports of the Pacific. It is 

 perfectly sheltered from winds, for picturesque beauty cannot be 

 excelled, and has sufficient depth of water for any class of vessels, 

 and, as far as the Islands can have, under the present government, 

 every facility for making repairs. Water may be had in abundance 



