SAMOAN GROUP. 



139 



passage through the coral reef, which fringes the shore. Beyond the 

 Lion's Head, the coast again assumes an abrupt and rocky character. 

 3 miles to the west of this point is situated a remarkable rock, called 

 Pyramid Rock ; thence to the Devil's-own or Breaker Point, off the 

 harbor of Pago-pago, are two sandy beaches, continuing to the west 

 from Pago-pago ; the shore is lined with coral, which completely 

 closes Black's Bay, and affords no protection whatever either for 

 vessels or boats, and the sea beats violently on the whole extent to 

 Sail Rock Point, which is the southernmost point of the island ; round 

 to Leone Bay, the coast is high and rocky. Leone, though entirely 

 destitute of a harbor for vessels, and its shore fringed with coral, is 

 one of the most productive and populous towns of the island. It is 

 situated in a most luxuriant valley, in which cultivation by the 

 natives is carried to as great an extent as in any part of this group. 

 The inhabitants of the bay also engage in fishing, and their canoes 

 are seen in great numbers during the prevalence of fine weather off 

 the coast. 



From Leone to West Cape the shore is rocky and much broken, 

 and offers no shelter. Off West Cape are some large black rocks. 

 To the northward of this cape, and between it and Leopard Point, is 

 situated the town of Susua ; but the bay offers no shelter ; it is choked 

 up with coral, yet with care boats may land. A distance of 3 h miles 

 brings us to Aluau, the coast being rough and rocky, with the excep- 

 tion of the small bay in which it is situated ; but like Susua there is 

 no anchorage, and the beach is skirted with coral. 



Aluau Bay is one-third of a mile wide, and the same in depth ; at 

 the head of it is a fine town, where supplies may be procured. The 

 anchorage is in from 12 to 15 fathoms, fine gray sand; during the fine 

 months it is perfectly safe for a vessel. A mile to the east, separated 

 only by a rocky point, is Massacre Bay, where La Perouse's expedi- 

 tion met with so melancholy a fate ; it affords no protection, the bay 

 being nearly filled with coral, which at low water is in many parts 

 entirely bare. One mile to the eastward is the harbor of Fungasar. 

 This is the best harbor on the north side of the island, and during 

 the fine season one of safety and of easy access. Though not large, it 

 affords all that could be required for a few vessels that may stop for 

 supplies. Wood, water, and all the productions of the island may be 

 had here. The best anchorage is between East and Cocoanut Points, 

 in 14 fathoms water, over a black and white sand and shell bottom. 



