174 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



form of its reefs. On the west it has the Onoruga Reef; on the south, 

 the Mothea Reef; on the east and projecting to the north, the Flying- 

 Fish Reef, while on the northwest side it is entirely free. The Onoruga 

 Reef extends more than 5 miles due west from the west side of the 

 island ; it forms an extensive bight, in which are several outlying 

 patches of coral. As this reef approaches the island, its course, when 

 within a mile of the shore, trends southerly, off Lanagi Point, where 

 it terminates. Several coral patches lie between it and the Mothea 

 Reef; the openings between these afford safe passages for vessels, by 

 which they can pass to the various anchorages on the south and west 

 sides of the island. An extensive basin is formed by the bight of 

 Mothea Reef, which extends to the south 5 miles ; it is 3 miles wide, 

 and within it is the Cobu Rock, an insulated rock, a mile from Nalico 

 Point. On the west side the harbor of Venemole is the best anchor- 

 age ; it is well protected from all the prevailing winds : on the north 

 by the two small islands of Sudine Levu and Sucline Lailai, which are 

 joined by a wide coral reef, which extends to the island, stopping up 

 the entrance into Veneinole Bay, and rendering it inaccessible for any 

 kind of vessel. This Bay is an extensive sheet of water, nearly cir- 

 cular in form, and has the appearance of having once been an extensive 

 crater. The depth of water in Venemole Harbor is from 12 to 15 

 fathoms, with good holding-ground. It is easy of access, and supplies 

 of water may be had at the town of Venemole, situated at its head. No 

 special directions are deemed necessary to enter. The two small islands 

 on the reef are readily discovered. When approaching the island from 

 the northwest these may be steered for, and when within half a mile of 

 Sudine Lailai haul round it, and anchor within half a mile of the reef 

 or shore. The only danger is a small sandbank, which lies to the 

 south : there is 3 fathoms on it at low water. 



On the east side is the Bay of Corobamba, where there is good 

 anchorage, being well protected by the reef, which here follows the 

 trend of the island. This bay reaches from Muselana Point to that 

 of Toburoro, a distance of 3 miles. Corobamba is situated within a 

 mile of Musilana Point, and is the second largest town on the island 

 of Nairai: the depth of water is 15 fathoms on a clear bottom of sand. 

 Within a mile of Musilana Point and to the northward of it, there is 

 a break in the reef; this divides the Flying-Fish Reef from that of 

 Mothea. Vessels must at once haul up sufficiently to pass to wind- 

 ward of Musilana Point, and after it is passed, the town of Corabamba 



