VITI GROUP. 



200 



due east oh miles, to Nucumbati Bay, where it makes an inden- 

 tation around the Island of Nucumbati. In the bay the water 

 is from 4 to 5 fathoms deep. The distance from point to point is 

 2 miles, and the indentation three-fourths of a mile deep. On either 

 side of Nucumbati the channel is good, though narrow. Two coral 

 patches lie between the island and the head of the bay. Nucumbati 

 Island is one-third of a mile long, north and south, by 400 yards wide ; 

 the north end of it forms a high knoll, while the south is low and 

 covered with cocoanut palms. The town was formerly populous, but 

 it was deserted when we visited the island. The Bouri is one of the 

 largest in the group, which generally betokens the consequence or rank 

 the place has held. 



In sailing to the east from Ravu-ravu Point, steer directly for the 

 western point of Nucumbati Bay ; when within a mile of it, haul up 

 for the point of the island, and after passing it, then direct for Mu- 

 thuata Island ; by keeping Muthuata open a little on the port bow, 

 you will pass to the southward of all the coral patches, in from 9 to 

 10 fathoms water. The distance from Nucumbati to Muthuata 

 Island is 2i miles, and forms Muthuata Harbor. Anywhere within 

 this space is good anchorage, but the most convenient berth is off 

 the town of Muthuata, both for obtaining supplies and being more pro- 

 tected from the north winds by the Island of Muthuata. The Island 

 of Muthuata is la miles long, by half a mile wide, rising in two peaks 

 to the altitude of 1005 feet. It has some fine timber growing on it, 

 but very few inhabitants. It is one of the principal burying-places 

 of the natives, and consequently is tabooed to them. Muthuata is 

 one of the principal towns of Vanua Levu, and the residence of the 

 king, Tui Muthuata. With him and his chiefs all arrangements are 

 made for supplies, fishing for the biche de mer, and trading for tor- 

 toise-shell ; and it is well to effect a good understanding with these 

 chiefs by presents in the first instance, as it will prevent much 

 trouble and difficulty afterwards. The channel between the island 

 and the town is a mile wide ; the depth of water varies from 6 to 9 

 fathoms. To the north are several extensive coral reefs, among them 

 the Henrietta and Rotu Reefs. The first is 5z miles long, by 11 wide; 

 it trends nearly north and south. 



The Rotu Reef forms a crescent, 4 miles in length ; part of it 

 lies 1 1 miles north of the Island of Muthuata; between it and the Rotu 

 Reef there is good anchorage, the depth of water ranging from 7 



