1(12 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



width being but one mile. From its northern point there is a coral 

 reef, extending to the north 2i miles. 



The Island of Ticumbia lies 2 miles to the northeastward of the 

 southeast entrance, and 5 miles to the northeast of Munia. It resem- 

 bles Munia in appearance, but is much smallei", and trends west-by- 

 south and east-by-north. It is inhabited by about 70 natives. There 

 is no good anchorage, and water is scarce. 



Avia Island lies to the northeast of Vanua Valavo, near the north 

 side of the reef; it is 3 miles in circumference, and has a central peak, 

 which rises some 200 feet : there is a ship channel between it and 

 Vanua Valavo. A few natives reside upon it. 



The islets of Osubu are three in number ; they lie to the east- 

 ward of Avia, and are a good mark for the northern entrance ; 

 they are high and rocky, connected by a coral reef; they are not 

 inhabited except during the turtle season. Besides marking the 

 entrance to the reef on the northern side, they serve as a good guide 

 to that on the east, which they are directly west of, and distant 4 

 miles. This eastern opening is covered by the outlying reef of Nuku 

 Ticumbia, which lies 5 miles to the east of it, trending in a north and 

 south direction 5 miles : it is quite narrow ; on it the sea continually 

 breaks. 



KANATHIA. 



Kanathia is 3 miles long, north-northwest and south-southeast, by 

 2 wide. A high peak rises from its centre, resembling a watch-tower, 

 formed of basaltic columns ; the rest of the island forms rolling hills, 

 which are verdant and fertile, the whole having a picturesque 

 appearance. It is surrounded by an extensive reef, which stretches 

 to the distance of 4i miles to the northeast, towards the north point 

 of Vanua Valavo, and approaches within 11 miles of the reef of the 

 latter ; the passage is quite clear, and from the middle both reefs are 

 visible. On the north side of the island there is a break in the reef ; 

 there are also various boat-openings on the other sides. Morse's Reef 

 lies one mile off the south end. 



Kanathia offers the same kind of supplies that the other islands do. 

 It has 300 inhabitants. 



