204 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



occupy a large space, still there is room for a fleet to anchor. The 

 holding-ground is very good, and the depth does not exceed 12 fathoms. 

 The best and most covenient anchorage is near L'ecumba Point ; there 

 a vessel is better protected by the vicinity of the reefs, at the same 

 time with the prevailing winds being under the lee of the land, and in 

 no way exposed to the sea from any quarter. The sea-reef extends 

 quite across the bay, leaving the channel leading to the eastward, of 

 which I have spoken above, and that to the westward, round Dimba- 

 dimba Point, clear between it and those formed in the bay. This 

 sea-reef is of great extent, being 6 miles long, northwest-by-west, and 

 3 miles wide ; at high water it is covered sufficiently to admit a boat 

 to pass over it, but at extreme low water the irregularities of its sur- 

 face are seen. Off its extreme western limits there are many de- 

 tached patches, that obstruct the passage leading to the westward 

 towards the Island of Y'Endua. Around 'Mbua Bay there are many 

 towns. These are situated on high and inaccessible hills, for the 

 safety of their inhabitants, in consequence of the continual wars which 

 the different chiefs are waging one with another ; this state of things 

 renders it difficult to procure any supplies here. 'Mbua Bay was 

 formerly principally resorted to for sandalwood, but this has been long 

 since exhausted : and vessels have ceased to seek this harbor. The 

 reefs, however, were well supplied with the biche de mer, but from the 

 extent of this fishery of late years, these animals are becoming also 

 scarce on the reefs. 'Mbua is a good and safe stopping-place for ves- 

 sels, and if the chiefs would settle their domestic feuds, there is no 

 part of the group where supplies could be obtained more easily and in 

 greater abundance. 



In passing out of 'Mbua Bay, on the eastern side, into the Sea of 

 Viti, it is necessary to hug Lecumba Point and beat to windward of 

 the great reef: to the west, it is much studded with patches, both 

 above and below water, but the wind being fair they may be easily 

 avoided, and are soon passed. On reaching Dimba-dimba Point, the 

 coast trends north-by-west for 4 2 miles to Point Suke, and off this 

 point the coral reefs extend to the distance of 3 miles from the shore, 

 leaving a comparatively free route, and sufficiently wide for a vessel 

 to beat in. The shore is bold and rocky, with but a narrow coral reef 

 bounding it. To enter Ruke-ruke Bay, on arriving off Point Suke, 

 and opening out Sleepy Point, you must steer for the latter, and pass 

 within the coral reef, which runs directly across the mouth of Ruke- 



