V I T I GROUP. 



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The south side of the reef, which trends east and west, is 15 miles in 

 length. The centre of each side is somewhat broken up, and might 

 be passed through in case of necessity. Bacon's Isles are two insulated 

 rocks, and excellent landmarks. To the northeast of the Bocatatanoa, 

 distant two miles, lies the Latti Reef; it embraces an area of 25 square 

 miles. Within it lie three rocky islets, called Reid's : two of them 

 resemble, when first discovered, ships at a distance. They form the 

 southern side of the Lakemba Passage. There is no entrance through 

 this reef, it being continuous all round. At high water it may be 

 passed over easily on its western side in canoes and boats. The sea 

 usually breaks violently on its eastern side. 



The sea to the west of Lakemba, for 20 to 25 miles, is free from 

 dangers, and a vessel may safely lie by under its lee during the 

 night. 



VANUA VATU. 



Twenty-five miles to the west-southwest of Lakemba lies Vanua 

 Vatu. It is G miles in circumference, and rises gradually on all sides 

 to the height of 500 feet. This island is encircled by a reef, through 

 which there are two entrances for boats : a small vessel may enter on 

 its west side during the fine season. The island is not inhabited, but 

 the natives resort to it during the turtle season. The reef does not 

 extend beyond a mile from the island : to the north it extends that 

 distance in a point. Wood may be obtained here, but it is difficult 

 to be got off, and vessels would do better to obtain it at one of the 

 islands before named. There is no water except from wells. 



NAIATJ, 



Naiau lies northwest of Lakemba 15 miles; it rises several hundred 

 feet above the level of the sea, is bounded by high basaltic cliffs, and 

 is covered with forest ; on its lofty peak there are two villages, which 

 contain about 200 inhabitants. The island is nearly 4 miles in length, 

 by 2h wide, of lozenge shape ; it is surrounded by a reef, conforming 

 very much to the trend, and attached to the shore ; there is a break 

 in it on its southwest side, but of no advantage to vessels ; another 

 opening is to be found on its northeast side for boats. 



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