172 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



may be had here, but in consequence of the disposition and character 

 of the natives, it is deemed advisable to be prepared against their evil 

 machinations, if communication is had with them. The eastern pas- 

 sage is quite safe, and is the best to enter by, even if desirous to 

 anchor under the lee of the island in the harbor of Thacopa, which is 

 situated on the southwest side, and has a fine opening through the sea- 

 reef abreast of it. There are two anchorages on the west side : one 

 to the south of Ridge Point, the other to the north of it, near Green 

 Island. This latter is the best, being more protected, and offering 

 every means to get to sea without difficulty. The town of Thacopa is 

 situated at the head of a bay. On the north side there is Female Bay, 

 which is quite small; at the head of it, the town of Malago is situated. 

 Some provisions may be had there, but I would advise vessels to resort 

 to the regular anchorage for supplies. 



ANGAU. 



Angau resembles the rest of the detached islands of this group in 

 having lofty peaks, of volcanic formation. It is 10 miles long, north- 

 west-by-north and southeast-by-south, by 4 2 miles wide. Of its high 

 peaks, that of Dilathoa is the most lofty ; it is 1560 feet in altitude. 

 Its hills range with the length of the island, and there are many 

 fertile valleys, surrounding the numerous bays, that are formed by 

 projecting points. 



The coral reef extends quite around the island ; on the west side it 

 is 2 and 3 miles removed from the shore, while on the east it becomes 

 a shore-reef, and is from 100 to 200 yards wide. 



On the east side there are two openings, 150 yards wide, near 

 Uthivione Point, which is the north point of the island : this is a 

 ship channel, and leads to the town of Thopanauti. The other is 

 near the town of Lamilu and Pig Islet, but the harbor is small, and 

 but little protected from the prevailing winds. About half way 

 between these, there is an entrance for boats, leading to the town of 

 Maluai. Off the south end, the shore-reef extends some distance, and 

 at low tide the water is too shoal for a boat. On this reef, off South 

 Point, is the small low island of Lathiba, one mile distant. The 

 southwest side of the island, extending from Point Lobo to that of 

 Via Via, is detached from 2 to 3 miles from the shore, forming two 

 bays ; that of Levuka, which is the largest and most southern, and 



