184 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



the most densely populated, and destined to be the seat of improve- 

 ment when the Feejeeans become more civilized and enlightened. . 



As this island embraces a large number of smaller islands situated 

 on its reef, and connected with its harbors, I shall include them in 

 the description as they occur, in which both 'Mbenga, and Namuka, 

 and three reefs will be embraced, beginning at the Moturiki Passage, 

 which leads into the Bay of Ambau on the east, and thence around 

 its southern, western, and northern sides. 



From Leluvia the inner reef trends due south, 11 miles : this forms 

 the eastern boundary of the Bay of Ambau ; at its southern end lies 

 the small island of Tombarua. There are several extensive patches 

 of coral connected with this reef, lying three-fourths of a mile to 

 the west. The Bay of Ambau lies between this and the east end of 

 the Island of Viti Levu ; the shores are low, and along them lie 

 several small islands, on which the principal towns, Ambau, Viwa, 

 and Verata, are situated, where the political power has long been 

 concentrated, and where it now exists. The bay is 12 miles in 

 length, by 4 in width : it is a fine sheet of water, and has anchorage 

 throughout. Kamba Point forms its southern termination, while that 

 of Verata bounds it on the north. The water towards its western 

 shore is shallow, and there is no harbor except the open bay ; small 

 vessels may anchor under the Island of Viwa. Although the anchor- 

 age in the bay is good, it is exposed and unsafe for a vessel : in gales 

 of wind mairy vessels have been either wrecked or lost their anchors. 



One and a half miles off Verata Point there is an extensive coral 

 patch, 2 miles in length, north-by-west and south-by-east, and a mile 

 wide. Between it and the land there is a passage, and another to the 

 eastward, where there are many patches of coral, some of which are 

 bare at low water. There are several other coral patches, which have 

 not been located on the chart, as I was not satisfied that we have their 

 places correctly ascertained. Vessels sailing in the Bay of Ambau 

 are recommended to keep a good lookout from aloft, and not to 

 attempt passing through it without daylight. As to supplies, the Bay 

 of Ambau offers no inducements to visit it, nor is it advisable to incur 

 the risk while the Feejees remain in their present savage state, and 

 while supplies may be had elsewhere in security. 



There is a communication by water with Rewa, by a small stream 

 that flows into the Bay of Ambau, a branch of the river of Rewa, 

 the length of which is ten miles. All the productions of this group 



