134 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



breadth : it is formed by the coral reef. At its entrance there is a coral 

 patch of half a mile in circumference, which serves as an additional 

 protection to its anchorage from the southeast swell. The course in is 

 due north (true), and if Suisigna Peak can be seen, a course direct 

 for it will lead off the harbor ; in the absence of other marks, the 

 reef on the eastern side of the harbor can be followed, and the 

 anchorage sought within the coral patch : the best place to drop the 

 anchor is in from 7 to 9 fathoms ; the bottom sand and mud, and 

 good holding-ground. The prevailing wind on this side of the island 

 enables a vessel to sail in and out with a free wind. Water may be 

 had here without difficulty, at either of the streams, and wood, with 

 all the supplies of the island. Sanaapu lies nearly opposite to 

 Apia, and there is a good path leading across the island at this place, 

 so that the foreign consuls may be consulted if required in a few 

 hours. 



Although there are no harbors for vessels on the south side, towards 

 the western end, yet there are many safe ones for boats, which the 

 chart of the island, by the Exploring Expedition, will point out. The 

 reef here encloses Manono, whose situation and connection with Upolu 

 is spoken of hereafter. Though the channel between the island and 

 reef affords no facilities to large vessels, yet for the native canoes and 

 boats it is everything that could be desired, giving them protection 

 and the natives opportunities for fishing, from Falilati to Apia, which 

 is upwards of 20 miles, a district comprising some of the most fertile 

 lands and most populous towns of this island ; though but a few years 

 before, at the time of the arrival of the missionaries, it is said to have 

 been depopulated. Salafuata, Sasava, Faleatii, Fasetoolai, Nafavalii, 

 Tooanea, Salamoa, Saugana, Falooloo, Vaialasa, and Vailela, are the 

 chief towns. All of them afford ample supplies, which can be readily 

 brought to Apia, and at short notice within the waters protected by 

 the reef. 



Upolu has, both on the north and south sides, soundings extending 

 off some distance from its shores, and off Falooloo Point there are 

 several patches of coral, with but 2 and 3 fathoms on them : it is re- 

 quisite to avoid these when vessels are lying off and on. 



There are few finer islands, and none where supplies can be 

 obtained so readily as at Upolu. Being the seat of the supreme or 

 governing power of the group, the natives are under better control, 

 and in cases of accident or injury the reparation would be more easily 



