132 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



this bay partakes very much of the striking features of that of Fanga- 

 loa, and the shores are covered by one continued grove of cocoanut 

 palms. 



Tiavea is a small bay, much resembling Uafato, and about the 

 same size ; the anchorage is not, however, so good, nor the facilities for 

 obtaining water so great : it is entirely surrounded by a shore-reef. 

 Vessels may anchor in it, in from 8 to 10 fathoms water. The village 

 of Tiavea is situated at the bottom of the bay, and has an inviting 

 appearance from off the harbor. The point to the eastward of 

 Tiavea Bay forms the northeastern point of the island : it is high and 

 rocky, and may be closely approached. The coast then turns nearly 

 at right angles to the south, and after passing the town of Samusu, 

 the coral reef again is met with, which extends off and includes the 

 two small islets of Fanuatapu and Namua, and stretches as far as 

 Tapanga Point. This reef protects the east end of the island from 

 the prevailing winds (east and southeast) and sea ; through it there 

 are many boat-openings, leading to the towns of Saleaaumua, Mutia- 

 tele, Satitoa, Ulutongia, and Vailoa. 



Tapanga is a rocky point, off which the coral reef extends to within 

 a short distance of the small islet of Nuutele, but there is a passage 

 between. This islet is nearly circular, half a mile in diameter, 

 and evidently of volcanic formation, still preserving its crater appear- 

 ance : it is moderately high on the west side, gradually inclining to 

 the east, where it forms a small cove, and on it is a small village of 

 fishermen. 



Nuulua is another small rocky islet, a quarter of a mile southeast 

 of Nuutele : off its eastern end are two small rocks. Both of these 

 islets may be closely approached, and the passage between them is 

 clear. 



The south side of Upolu is exposed to the whole force of the south- 

 east trades, and the sea or swell is from that quarter for eight or nine 

 months during the year : it has fewer harbors than the north side, 

 which are by no means desirable for vessels to seek, and ought to be 

 avoided, except under very pressing circumstances ; the openings 

 through the reef, however, offer many safe and convenient harbors 

 for boats. Upon the coast there are several villages and some consi- 

 derable towns, the principal of which are Lepa, Anfanga, Lotofanga, 

 Toupii, Salani, and Falealili. At Salani there is shelter for small 

 vessels, and two fine streams come down from the mountains, empty- 



