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HYDROGRAPHY. 



under its northwest or lee side in 13 fathoms water, sandy bottom. 

 There are no inhabitants, but the natives resort to it in the turtle 

 season, — April and May. There are some small springs where water 

 may be obtained : a larger supply may be had by digging wells. 



On the south side of the reef there are two narrow openings, 

 through which a ship may pass with safety, one the Nighthawk Pas- 

 sage, 150 feet wide : this was entered by the Vincennes. To the west 

 the reef is so much broken up that it is but a continuation of sunken 

 patches. On the north side there are two openings bearing due north 

 from the west end of the island. It is necessary for a vessel to have 

 a commanding breeze when attempting any of these passages : at such 

 times they are easily and quickly passed, but with the wind light 

 there is much cause for uneasiness, and great anxiety and danger may 

 be incurred. The eastern side or bight of the reef for 7 miles has 

 no breaks in it ; it is very well marked by the sea constantly break- 

 ing on it. 



The Buia Passage has been most frequently used in passing through 

 the Nemena Reef; it is li miles wide. The directions for passing it 

 are to bring the high point of Nemena Island to bear east per com- 

 pass, and steer for Buia Point. The reef of Nemena at the surface is 

 50 to 100 yards wide, throughout its whole length. 



VANTJA LEVU ISLAND. 



This island trends east-northeast and west-southwest, and its length 

 between its extreme points is 100 miles, its mean width 25 miles. It 

 has very many fine bays and harbors, formed by its coral-reefs, 

 affording good protection for vessels : and supplies can be obtained 

 at the island in abundance. It is of volcanic formation, and many 

 of its peaks shoot up in needle-shape points to the height of 3200 

 feet. It is extremely fertile along the coast, well peopled, but they 

 are savage in their dispositions, and require every precaution to be 

 taken to insure safety to parties on shore. 



Buia Point is a high bluff point readily recognized, and is the 

 southern point of the large island of Vanua Levu. It is the termina- 

 tion of a spur from the main ridge which traverses the island ; 

 beyond it a large bay sweeps to the northward and westward as far 

 as Lecumba Point. This is surrounded by low land, which con- 

 tinues beyond Lecumba Point and around Sandalwood or 'Mbua 



