TONGA ISLES. 



147 



high. This reef was discovered by Maurelle, in 1781, who gave it 

 the name of Baxo de Culebras. 



VAVAO. 



A degree to the north of the Haabai cluster lies that of Vavao. 

 This cluster is formed by Vavao, Panguimotu, Tonga, Hounga, and 

 Telika. Vavao has a circumference of some 30 miles, and has one 

 of the finest ports in the Pacific, — Port Valdes. Maurelle appears to 

 have been the first European who visited these islands, in 1781. 

 Vavao is formed of coral limestone ; its greatest height does not exceed 

 300 feet. Its surface is remarkably level. The cliffs are perpendicular 

 and to some extent have been washed by the sea, so that they form from 

 overhanging masses an impediment to landing, and none can be effected 

 except where the cliffs have been broken down. Port Valdes has its 

 entrance on the southwest side, among an archipelago of islands, and 

 the channel is some 4 miles northeast between them ; through these a 

 square-rigged vessel may have some difficulty in beating, as there is a 

 leeward set constantly making out. The water is so deep, that an 

 anchor cannot conveniently be let go in the channel. The inner 

 harbor is perfectly safe and land-locked, but it requires a well-appointed 

 vessel to reach it. The entrance may be readily known by White 

 Point, which lies on the left of the entrance, and which is nearest to 

 what is called Ninepin Island, and south of Refuge Road, where vessels 

 ordinarily anchor to obtain supplies. There is another anchorage to 

 the south, called Port Maurelle, which is tolerably secure, except from 

 the northwest. The narrows leading into Port Valdes is over half a 

 mile wide. A vessel may proceed farther up the harbor and anchor 

 in less water; but the coral patches and the broken ground should 

 claim attention. 



The only objection to this port seems to be the great depth of water 

 in the outer roads and anchorages, and the unevenness of the bottom, 

 varying in a cast of the lead from 10 to 15 fathoms. Supplies may 

 be had in abundance, and fish are procured in considerable quantities 

 by the natives. Vavao is one of the principal establishments of the 

 missionaries in the South Seas. 



