15G 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



nothing to tempt vessels to enter. With northeast winds the anchor- 

 age is somewhat exposed. These islands and reef lie nearly half way 

 between Lakemba and Oneata. 



LAKEMBA. 



Lakemba, the most important island of the Eastern Group, occupies 

 nearly a central position, and is the seat of the political power ; it is 

 of a circular form, 31 miles in circumference, and rises towards a 

 central peak, called Kendikendi, the apex of which is 900 feet above 

 the level of the sea. This island has many fertile valleys, and exten- 

 sive groves of cocoanut palms and breadfruit, the rich soil producing 

 all the necessaries of life in abundance, and supplies may be had here 

 in great quantities. 



Lakemba is surrounded by a reef, which extends to the eastward of 

 the island 7 miles, forming a point to the northeast. On the north, 

 south, and west sides of the island, the reef extends but a short dis- 

 tance ; it has two openings, one on the east, narrow, though deep 

 enough for large vessels, but the channel is very tortuous and danger- 

 ous, from the many shoals that stud its passage ; that on the south 

 side is only available for small vessels. In consequence of the confined 

 space within the reef, none but a small vessel could find shelter, and 

 only by mooring head and stern. The principal settlement is on the 

 south side. "Water is obtained here from wells, but on the northeast 

 side of the island, several streamlets flow down to the beach. Lakemba 

 has some 1500 inhabitants, and is the residence of the king of the 

 Eastern range. Some 4 or 500 of the inhabitants are Tongamen, and 

 nominally Christians. The Wesleyan Missionary Society has an esta- 

 blishment here, which has now been in operation for some years. 



BOCATATANOA, OR ARGO REEF. 



On the east of Lakemba lies one of the most extensive reefs in this 

 range, called Bocatatanoa, or the Argo Reef. In shape it resembles a 

 triangle, having a base of 20 miles, trending north-by-west and south- 

 by-east ; its apex approaches within two miles of the eastern point 

 of the Lakemba Reef. On its northwest side it is very much broken 

 up in patches, which, though lying in range, towards the northern 

 angle it becomes continuous, in which Bacon's Isles are situated. 



