V I T I GROUP. 



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who are an independent tribe ; this circumscribes visitors to the limits 

 of the friendly district of Tui Levuka, who has fully experienced the 

 advantage accruing to himself and people by communication with 

 the whites, and he offers every facility for them to obtain the sup- 

 plies they need. 



The harbors of Ovolau are all formed by coral reefs. These 

 reefs extend along the eastern side, and from the Lada Reef off the 

 northern extremity of the island to the Moturiki Passage, on the 

 south, and include the islands of Moturiki and the two Anuthas. 

 In places the reefs are broken, affording good entrances through them 

 to the anchorages. 



The harbor of Levuka extends from the Fore-finger on the south, 

 to Underwood's Tower on the north, a distance of 5s miles. It is a 

 fine harbor; the anchorage is good throughout, in from 11 to 17 

 fathoms water, remarkably easy of ingress and egress, and the direc- 

 tions for entering it are simple. After passing Ambatiki, steer for the 

 Peak of Dille-Ovolau, the highest peak of Ovolau ; — this lies north- 

 west of the town of Levuka, — and when within two miles, a black 

 coral rock will be observed, on the reef, some distance to the south- 

 ward of the entrance ; when up with the entrance, and the passage 

 through the reef is open, the Observatory knoll will bear west-by- 

 north, for which you then steer. If the flood tide is running, keep 

 the south reef aboard, but if the ebb, the north. This passage is not 

 over 800 feet wide. Should the wind prove light, I would recom- 

 mend the boats to be got out, and ready for towing, as it may fail at 

 the most critical moment in the entrance, and leave the vessel some- 

 what in danger of being cast on the reef. When the reef is passed, 

 sail should be taken in as soon as possible. The width of the harbor 

 at this place is less than half a mile. In coming to anchor be careful 

 to avoid a small coral patch a little to the south of Observatory 

 Point. The best anchorage is in 11 fathoms water, off the town of 

 Levuka. Fail not to make a present to the chief ; it ought to be one 

 of the first duties, by which means he will be propitiated, the inter- 

 course satisfactory, and the supplies ample. Should a contrary course 

 be recommended by the resident whites, avoid the advice, and refuse 

 to espouse their quarrels. The northern openings are the best to 

 depart from. Either side of the sandspit which lies between the 

 coral reefs, may be taken. 



The Ovolau Reef continues to the south, and forms the northern 



4G 



