130 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



believed that this punishment has had the desired effect, of making 

 them more cautious how they molest those who are protected by our 

 flag. 



The harbor of Falifa is 3 miles east of that of Saluafata : its situa- 

 tion is readily known by the only gap in the high ridge of the island, 

 and the plains of Falifa, both of which lie immediately behind it, 

 and are too remarkable not to attract notice. The small bay which 

 forms the harbor is nearly one mile wide and half a mile deep ; the 

 eastern point (Naneivi) is a rocky bluff, and its western (Sandy) is 

 low. The town of Falifa is situated at the head of the bay, at the 

 mouth of a fine stream of water, which may be approached by boats. 

 On the eastern side of the harbor, under the high land, is the town 

 of Naneivi. The bay is skirted with coral on its western, as well as 

 eastern sides, with the exception of Point Naneivi, and in the imme- 

 diate neighborhood of the fresh-water stream. On the eastern side 

 the land is high, and very much broken, but to the west it is low, 

 and covered with groves of cocoanut palms. Off the western point 

 of the reef there is a sunken coral patch, on which the least water is 

 3 fathoms : to avoid this, in entering the harbor, it will be better to 

 keep near Naneivi Point. Falifa Harbor is exposed to the northeast 

 and east winds, but good protection may be found from the north and 

 northwest winds by anchoring well up in the bight towards Sandy 

 Point. The depth of water in the harbor varies from 11 to 5 

 fathoms : the bottom is sand. Wood and water may be obtained here 

 without any difficulty. 



Fangaloa Harbor is a remarkable indentation of the island, 3 miles 

 deep by a mile wide, between its two points, and gradually con- 

 verging until it forms almost an acute angle at its head. The course 

 in is south-southwest, on which bearing there is a very remarkable 

 pointed peak (Malata). The two outer points (Eld and Emmons) 

 are sharp bluffs, and free from coral ; off the former (Eld's Point) 

 there are several black rocks, which project seaward. There are no 

 other dangers near the entrance, and the shores are bold. Within both 

 points the coral reef is seen ; as you advance towards the head of 

 the harbor, it continues to increase in width, until in some places it 

 reaches to upwards of 1000 feet, the edges of which are dry at low 

 water. At the head of the bay it is free, and here is found an excel- 

 lent stream of water, that is very convenient to fill casks, and re- 

 markably pure. 



