VITI GROUP. 



203 



Bay, a distance of 15 miles. Off Buia Point there are one or two 

 sunken shoals, and the shore-reef extends to Cocoanut Point,' — a low 

 point 3 miles distant, covered with a fine grove of cocoanut palms, 

 whence its name. Off it the channel is contracted and somewhat intri- 

 cate, caused by sunken patches of coral, approaching almost near 

 enough to form a junction with the island. There are two psssages ; 

 the one nearest the point is to be preferred, although it is much less in 

 width than the outer one, but the reef admits of its being easily fol- 

 lowed. From Cocoanut Point, a northwest-by-west course will lead 

 directly to Lecumba Point, which is low. Corobatoo Peak should be 

 kept open on the starboard bow. The distance to 'Mbua Bay is 10 

 miles : the channel in places is not over a mile wide, particularly as 

 you approach the western terminus to pass into 'Mbua Bay. The 

 soundings in it vary from 10 to 20 fathoms, muddy bottom; the patches 

 of reef on the outer side of this passage are numerous, but they are 

 not in the way, unless a course is shaped more to the south than that 

 recommended ; if deviated from, the sight of coral rocks under the 

 bottom will soon be evident, if they do not bring the vessel up. After 

 leaving Cocoanut Point, and having passed the first group of patches, 

 care must be taken that the reef bounding the north side of the channel 

 is not mistaken for the outer one ; this may happen by inattention in 

 passing the small island of Rabi-rabi. Should it occur, the first open- 

 ing that is met with should be taken to get into the main channel 

 again, leading to Lecumba Point. It may appear quite unnecessary 

 to give this caution, but that it is likely to happen, I can speak from 

 experience. 



'Mbua Bay is 3i miles deep, by 3 miles wide : it is bounded on the 

 east by Lecumba Point, and on the west by that of Dimba-dimba. 

 The east and north sides are low, and studded with mangrove bushes, 

 which grow on an extensive shore-reef. There are three rivulets 

 which enter into the bay ; they are not of any length, are shallow, 

 and will scarcely admit a boat, except at high water. The water is 

 good when taken from a distance above the rise of the tide. On the 

 west side of the bay the land rises into the Peak of Corobatoo, 850 

 feet in height. This peak may be seen from the southern islands dis- 

 tinctly in fine weather, and affords a good landmark for bearings, and 

 by which to shape a course. 



'Mbua Bay has several extensive coral patches in it, on the largest 

 of which there is a small sand-bank. Notwithstanding these reefs 



