SAMOAN GROUP. 



ing into the sea. The town of Salani is situated on a fertile plain, 

 with extensive groves of cocoanut trees. Supplies of wood and water, 

 fruit and vegetables, may be procured. 



The position of Falealili may be known by the small cocoanut 

 island lying off the town on the reef, which is a very conspicuous 

 object. This is the best harbor for vessels on the south side, and 

 is the only one where the ingress and egress is not attended with dif- 

 ficulty or danger. Falealili is indebted for its shelter to the coral 

 reef above mentioned, which covers the openings or indentations in 

 the shore-reef. The eastern channel is the best to enter by, and the 

 western to depart from. The prevailing wind is fair in both channels, 

 but as the channel is narrow, it is entered with some difficulty, re- 

 quiring great attention in steering, and the quick action of the helm. 

 The direction for entering is to run for the large church when it bears 

 north-northwest (true), taking care not to be under too much head- 

 way. The sunken coral patches at the entrance of the channel may 

 be easily avoided by keeping a good look-out, as they are plainly to 

 be seen. When Cocoanut Island bears southwest (true), keep away 

 to the westward, passing through the channel between the reefs, and 

 when the island bears south-southeast (true), anchor in 15 to 19 

 fathoms water. The reef and island shield vessels from the force of 

 the sea, as well as the wind, but the eastern opening of the reef affords 

 the best boat-landing ; there water can be easily procured from two 

 streams, that pass through the town, giving a large and constant 

 supply. Falealili is a large town, extending along the shore upwards 

 of a mile. The plain is well covered with cocoanut palms and other 

 trees of the island, exhibiting a very luxuriant prospect. Wood may 

 be obtained, as well as fruit and provisions. The chiefs are friendly 

 and hospitable ; by arranging with them for supplies, they will be 

 procured better and with the least trouble. 



To the west of Falealili the coast becomes bold and iron-bound for 

 the distance of 3i miles, when the coral reef is again met with, and 

 continues to the harbor of Sanaapu : through this reef there are 

 several boat-openings. From Sanaapu to the west end of the island 

 the land is generally low, except here and there a rocky point, and 

 between Lafanga and Falilati the shore has steep rocks and is iron- 

 bound. The principal towns are Sanaapu, Lafanga, Falilati, Samatou, 

 and Faluasofia. 



The harbor of Sanaapu is about a mile in length by half a mile in 



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