2 IS 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



southern part of it has the shape of a basin. The eastern point of 

 this port was named Cook's Point, and the western Point Carter. 

 Half a mile from Cook's Point to the west is a coral patch, 1500 

 feet long by 500 wide ; on both sides of it, there is sufficient depth of 

 water for a vessel of any class. The harbor is very commodious, and 

 has good holding-ground in 10 to 12 fathoms. The course to be 

 steered to enter when the bay is open is due south until Point Carter 

 bears northwest and Cook's Point north-by-east, when you will be in 

 the centre of the bay. The latitude is 16° 37' 30" south, longitude 

 179° 58' 30" east, variation 9° 30' easterly. The shores of this bay 

 are lined with coral, and at the head of it there is a small stream of 

 water, where a supply may be obtained ; from Point Carter the island 

 trends off to the west. Port Safety may be recommended as a suitable 

 harbor for vessels of any size, and may be sought in bad weather, if 

 such should be encountered in passing through the Straits of Somu- 

 somu. There is no village on this island, and very few inhabitants. 



The coast between Mela-mela and Long Points (the latter is the 

 eastern point of Vanua Levu), makes a small curve around Kuku 

 Islet ; the distance from point to point is 5 miles southeast. 



VUNA. 



The Island of Vuna is one of the most fertile of the group, and the 

 seat of the second political power. It is 25 miles in length, trending 

 southwest and northeast, and 8 miles in width. It rises to a central 

 ridge, which runs through its whole length, and whose greatest altitude 

 was found to be 2050 feet. The island is most of the time capped 

 with clouds, particularly during a strong easterly wind. It is separated 

 from the larger island of Vanua Levu, by the Strait of Somu-somu. 



On the southeast side of Vuna there are no harbors. The shore 

 is destitute of coral ; but on the northeast side, bounding on Tasman's 

 Strait, the coral reefs again appear, and form Tubou Harbor, a most 

 excellent anchorage, on a sandy bottom, in 10 fathoms water, admi- 

 rably adapted for a port of refuge in case of necessity, when passing 

 through Tasman's Strait. It offers a safe harbor from the prevailing 

 wind, and supplies may be had there. No particular directions are 

 necessary for entering it, as the reef will point out clearly the pas- 

 sages and openings. 



