15i» 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



the flood and ebb are shown on the chart ; but there are times of tide 

 in which the current is often found to set stronger in some places than 

 in others, from the water being forced through the narrow passages 

 between the reefs. Those navigating within the reefs can very readily 

 perceive when this is likely to be the case. After the reefs become 

 visible the current through the passages is much stronger, and at 

 times it flows almost as rapidly as a sluice ; at such times it is not 

 advisable to attempt to pass. Against this current it is next to im- 

 possible to make headway except with a very strong wind. 



From November to March northerly winds for the most part prevail, 

 which blow from the northwest with great violence. The heaviest 

 gales come from this quarter, during February and March. In these 

 months the weather is very wet and unpleasant. At this time of year, 

 vessels visiting this group would do well to seek those harbors that are 

 the best protected or least exposed to the northwest. If bad weather 

 occurs between April and November, the wind will prevail from the 

 east to southeast ; it blows very strong, accompanied by a mist that 

 renders everything obscure : this generally continues for three or four 

 days, but there are no sudden changes of wind, or tornado storms, as 

 experienced in the bad season. 



It is unnecessary in this place to offer any remarks upon the inter- 

 course with the natives, their character, customs, &c. : these have been 

 fully detailed in the third volume of the Narrative of the Exploring 

 Expedition, and it is presumed that no navigator will visit this inte- 

 resting group without possessing that work, which contains a full 

 account of our intercourse with them, and which, it is believed, will 

 afford an accurate view of the facilities as well as the difficulties which 

 are to be expected from intercourse with them: they are daily making 

 much progress in civilization. 



VATOA OR TURTLE ISLAND. 



Vatoa or Turtle Island, is the most southeastern island of the 

 Feejee Group. When first seen, it appears as a rounded hummock, 

 somewhat flattened on the top. Its form is oval ; the longest axis 

 trending north-northeast and south-southwest, 3 miles, while it is but 

 \l miles wide. It is surrounded by a shore-reef, half a mile in width, 

 through which there is a break for boats on the west side. 2h miles 

 to the south-southwest is the Shylock Reef, 6 miles in length by 3£ 

 its greatest width. The passage between the island and reef is clear, 



