186 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



on the west side of both islands, the Southern Entrance : the last two 

 are not wide, but the safest. The Island of Nukulau is one-third of a 

 mile long, but there is a long sandspit, which extends to the eastward 

 half a mile, covered at high water : the width of the island is one- 

 fourth of a mile. The coral reef connected with this island is 2 miles 

 in length, by half a mile wide ; it is only bare in places at low water, 

 and unless there is a heavy swell the sea does not break on all parts 

 of it : its sides trend east-by-north and west-by-south. 



The Island of Mukulau is smaller, not more than half a mile in 

 circumference; it lies south of Nukulau, and has a reef extending from 

 it to the eastward. The Northern, or Kania Entrance, is somewhat 

 obstructed by coral patches, off the east side of Nukulau sandspit, and 

 ought not to be used without a good lookout being kept from aloft, 

 and if used it should be in the morning hours, or before the sun gets 

 to the west : three coral patches lie in it, on which there is but 6 and 

 8 feet water, but around them it is deep. Vessels ought not to 

 anchor in the Kania Entrance, unless in case of absolute necessity : 

 the bottom is uneven, and the liability to lose an anchor great. The 

 course for sailing into the Eoads when off Kania Point, is to steer for 

 'Ndraketi Point, until clear of the Nukulau Island Reef, then stand 

 on to the west until that island bears southeast. Anchor on a line 

 about half-way between the island and 'Ndraketi Point. 



The Middle Entrance is between the extensive reefs which surround 

 these small islands. The islands are situated on the western side of 

 the reef, and the dangers lie to the eastward of them. This entrance is 

 a mile and a half in length. At its eastern termination are also some 

 outlying coral patches, which are not visible until close upon them. 

 To pass through, the course is west : it is better to keep in the middle ; 

 the reef will be visible on both sides. It is one- fourth of a mile wide, 

 and joins the South Entrance, which leads north to the anchorage. 



The best entrance to Rewa Roads is that from the south : it may 

 be used at all times. It is bounded by the islands of Mukulau and 

 Nukulau on the east, and the broad sea-reef on the west. The channel 

 is a mile in length, and at its narrowest part 400 yards in width. 

 When off it, 'Ndraketi Point can be seen clear of the islands, and 

 nearly on a line with them : it bears north-by-west ; this is the course 

 to steer ; it will lead directly through it, and towards the anchorage. 

 'Ndraketi Point is low, and forms the western point of the Wailevu 

 or Peale's River: although low land, the trees on it make it quite con.- 



