SAMOAN GROUP. 



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Latonga is more sheltered. I would not, however, advise a vessel to 

 seek so exposed an anchorage, when a much better one is to be found 

 within so short a distance as Apia or Saluafata. 



The harbor of Saluafata, situated 7i miles to the east of Apia, is 

 the best harbor of the island during the stormy season. It is in 

 extent three-fourths of a mile east and west, and the same distance 

 north and south. The sea-reef to the westward forms almost a com- 

 plete protection from the north and northwest winds, while that to 

 the east in like manner shields it from northeast to east. The depth 

 of water varies, after passing within the line of the reefs, from 12 to 4 

 fathoms. The bottom under 8 fathoms is sand and mud, and good 

 holding-ground ; over that depth it is sand. The best anchorage is 

 near the centre of the bay, in 8 fathoms, with the village of Saluafata 

 east, and that of Fouci bearing south. 



The harbor of Saluafata lies, to appearance, under the highest peak 

 on Upolu, bearing south 22° west, for which it is necessary to steer. 

 On coming up with the reef, care must be taken to avoid a shoal, that 

 lies nearer the eastern side of the entrance than the western : this may 

 be avoided, by keeping the reef on either side close aboard. At half 

 tide and low water the sea frequently breaks on this shoal. It has at 

 low water but a quarter less 3 fathoms. The small island nearly at 

 the head of the harbor bears from the shoalest part south half west. 

 Captain Hudson remarks that it is difficult to distinguish this island 

 from the main land when outside the harbor. The best course in is 

 to avoid bringing the eastern point of the western reef to bear to the 

 westward of south-southwest, running to pass close by it, and reach- 

 ing the anchorage on a south or south-by-west course. Between 

 the west reef and the shore, there is a good boat-passage, leading by 

 the town of Salelese and Eva to sea. 



Five towns are situated around the shores of the Bay of Saluafata, 

 all embosomed in groves of cocoanut trees ; they are, Saluafata, Fouci, 

 Salelese, Eva, and one between Saluafata and Fouci, whose native 

 name we did not obtain. Wood, water, and provisions may be 

 obtained here in abundance, and got off without injury to the men or 

 boats. The chiefs of these towns, at the time of the visit of the Expe- 

 dition, were disposed to be unfriendly to the whites. The murder of 

 an American sailor, and the refusal of the town to give up the mur- 

 derer, caused Captain Hudson, in the Peacock, to burn two towns, 

 Saluafata and Salelese, to which the guilty chiefs belonged. It is 



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