S A M A N GROUP. 



131 



Both sides of the harbor rise very rapidly. There is a small plain 

 of level land extending around, on which the villages are situated, in 

 groves of cocoanut palms. These villages are separated from each 

 other by rocky points, serving as natural divisions to the limits of 

 each ; they are seven in number : on the left entering is Samamea, 

 Lena, Masina, and Oluna ; on the right, Musumusu and Atoe ; while 

 at the head of the harbor lies Tirefanga. 



In the centre, between the points, there is 56 fathoms water : this 

 decreases towards each point, as well as in proceeding up the harbor, 

 until, on reaching the head, there is but 5 fathoms ; the bottom is 

 sandy. 



This harbor cannot be recommended. The wind, when it blows 

 a fresh trade, draws down over the high land with some violence, and 

 in stormy weather smart squalls are experienced. Though protected 

 somewhat in the bad season from the north and northwest winds, yet 

 it is very subject to rain, and severe squalls oftentimes come down the 

 sides of the mountains. 



Supplies may be had here in quantities. The natives are inclined 

 to be peaceable and friendly. Few ships have as yet visited this pic- 

 turesque harbor. In point of scenery it is scarcely to be equalled. Its 

 jutting peaks, of bold and fantastic outline, are agreeably contrasted 

 with the peaceful and quiet villages embosomed in the luxuriant 

 foliage. The position of Fangaloa cannot well be mistaken ; the re- 

 markable Peak of Fao, which rises to a great height on the west side 

 of the harbor, is a conspicuous guide to point it out. 



Uafato is a small bay, that lies 2 miles to the east of Fangaloa. It 

 is not over half a mile deep, surrounded by a shore-reef of coral, 

 and from the head of the bay there is a long strip of coral, which 

 projects one-fifth of a mile into the bay, forming a considerable obstruc- 

 tion. The bay is entirely open to the east and northeast winds, but 

 is somewhat sheltered from those from the north and northwest. 

 Uafato is a large town, surrounding the head of the bay, and at a 

 short distance back of it is a lake of fresh water, from which there is a 

 small stream emptying into the bay at the town, and where water-casks 

 may be readily filled. The natives report that the lake is filled with 

 large eels, and many other fish; but I think this wants confirmation. 



The best anchorage is with Rocky Point bearing north-northeast 

 true, in 15 and 16 fathoms water, sandy bottom. At times there is 

 considerable surf and much swell in the bay. The scenery around 



