V I T I GROUP. 



175 



will be open, off which is the anchorage. The Flying-Fish Beef ex- 

 tends 4 miles, trending to the north-northwest ; at its north end it 

 takes a turn for one and a half miles to the west. Near the north end 

 there are some patches of coral, but they lie very near the reef. The 

 extreme point of this reef is some feet under water, and as the sea 

 does not at all times break on it, a vessel should not approach too 

 close. When the central peak on Nairai, Corobata, bears south (true), 

 it will cut the end of the reef. At 2 miles from the island there is 

 an opening through this reef, which may be used in case it becomes 

 necessary. The channel leading from Corobamba Bay round Tuburoro 

 Point, between it and the sea-reef, is safe, and free from any obstruc- 

 tions ; the only danger is a small coral patch, a quarter of a mile east- 

 southeast of Nalico Point. After this is passed, either side of the 

 Cobu Rock may be taken, and thence due west of Cobu Rock to a 

 safe passage through the sea-reef. 



Besides the towns mentioned, there is another on the north side, 

 called Tauloa, which is at the head of the bay of the same name. It 

 affords little protection for vessels, but supplies may be had there. 



On the southwest side of the island is Lanagi, another large town, 

 at which supplies may be procured. At this island the natives are 

 very friendly, and although under the authority of Ambau, yet they 

 are at times independent of it. The natives are reputed to be well 

 skilled in making mats, &c. &c, in which articles they generally 

 supply many of the other islands, and in consequence have a good 

 deal of trade and intercourse with them. The population of Nairai is 

 reported to amount to 7000. 



Navigators should not go to the west of Nairai during the night. 

 The Sea of Goro, which lies to the east of this island, is quite free 

 from dangers, excepting the Tova Reef ; having passed it, there is no 

 necessity for a vessel running further ; there is plenty of sea room to 

 lie to or keep under way on short boards. By standing on to the 

 westward, after nightfall, little or nothing is gained, and many per- 

 plexities, by the near approach to dangers, will be encountered. 



AMBATIKI. 



Ambatiki is a small volcanic island, situated northwest from 

 Angau and west of Nairai, from both of which it is 11 miles distant. 

 It is nearly equilateral in form, the sides of which are 2 miles in 



