212 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



The coast from Sac Point eastward is again low, and lined with 

 mangrove bushes, trending nearly east-by-north 5? miles. It is then 

 terminated by another rivulet, which is opposite to Mali Harbor, 

 and suitable to procure water at. Between the Island of Mali and 

 the main land is Sarah's Bosom ; it extends the whole length of Mali 

 Island, and forms a secure harbor. There is a good passage to the 

 east between Mali and the large island, a mile wide, but the water is 

 not over 6 to 7 fathoms deep. The main island at the eastern part 

 of Sarah's Bosom is again low, and studded with mangroves ; three 

 small streams of water discharge into it. 



Mali Island is 4 miles in length, by three-fourths wide. It has two 

 remarkable sugar-loaf-shaped peaks, and low land between them ; the 

 western is the highest, its altitude being 350 feet. These are easily 

 distinguishable when approaching the passage. The channel to the 

 east runs on the north side of the island, the depth of water in it being 

 from 8 to 14 fathoms ; it is 1^ miles wide. At the east end of Mali 

 is Malitu Bay, a good anchorage for vessels engaged in the biche de 

 mer fishery, as it is near the reefs on which they are taken. The north- 

 ern side of Mali has some patches of coral at its points, but they ex- 

 tend but a short distance. From the east end of Mali to Sau-sau 

 Islet is 5 miles, course north 50° east. Sau-sau Islet is a small sandy 

 islet, situated on a projection of the inner part of the sea-reef. The 

 ship-channel passes between Sau-sau Islet and Point Lloyd, distant 

 from it half a mile. It is quite free of dangers in a line without 

 Point Roberts and Point Lloyd, and the water from 10 to 12 fathoms 

 deep. The coast beyond Point Lloyd has many indentations or small 

 bays as far as the 'Ndrundrua Islands. The headlands bear north 

 70° east from each other. These bays are small, and do not offer 

 more protection than the open channel, the depth of water in which 

 does not exceed 18 fathoms. Off Point Fenno there is a patch of 

 coral, but this lies near the shore. The shore is well covered with 

 wood, and water may be procured at several places. Point Graves 

 has a small reef projecting from it, and within it an islet, which is 

 connected by the reef with the point. The point is remarkable, 

 rising up to a considerable elevation in a conical peak ; it is the 

 sailing-mark to enter the Sau-sau Passage. The course through 

 the passage is south 32° east, or bring Hale's Peak, in the 

 interior of the island, on with Point Graves. If coming from the 

 eastward, it would be advisable, after making the eastern point 



