126 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



would in all probability make a complete sweep of the reef, and pro- 

 bably over the point. 



A swell usually sets into the bay, which makes the anchorage 

 disagreeable ; yet it is safe when the southeast winds prevail, as the 

 island then forms a lee. Wood and water can be obtained in plenty, 

 as also the usual fruits and vegetables. 



To seaward of this roadstead there is an extensive bank or bar, 

 about 11 miles outside the points forming the bay, on which the least 

 depth of water is 62 fathoms, with hard bottom : it may be readily 

 known by the long groundswell upon it ; but a vessel can cross it 

 without danger. 



The town of Mataatu is beautifully located around the bay, in an 

 extensive cocoanut grove : it contains about 2000 inhabitants, and is 

 the residence of a missionary. A small rivulet, which flows from the 

 Lusva Hills, behind the town, is lost, percolating through the sand- 

 beach into the sea. 



From the Point of Mataatu the coral reef extends 2 miles to the 

 eastward, where it is again interrupted for 5 miles, the whole being 

 iron-bound ; thence it is continuous to the southeast point, and has no 

 opening, except four passages for boats, one at Amoa, another at 

 Sapapale, and the others near the southeast point of the island. The 

 reef off Sapapale, which is the most important town on the island, is 

 upwards of a mile from the shore, affording a great protection to the 

 canoes of the natives. This portion of the island is the most thickly 

 settled, and has constant intercourse with Upolu, from which it is dis- 

 tant 6 miles, the small islands of Apolima and Manono lying between 

 Savaii and Upolu. 



The part of Savaii that is cultivated is very productive. It has no 

 rivers like the other islands of the group, but copious springs are 

 found everywhere near the shore ; the cause assigned for this is, that 

 the rains are rapidly absorbed by the vesicular lava, and again given 

 out at the base or along the shore. 



In its having no harbors, nature seems to have placed an insupe- 

 rable obstacle to its ever becoming of the importance its size and 

 population would at first view indicate. The intercourse with 

 foreigners, and the advantages to be derived from commerce, must 

 always be in the possession of the more fortunate islands, that have 

 been blessed by nature with fine harbors. 



