V I T I GROUP. 



219 



If a vessel wishes to anchor at Somu-somu, the principal town of 

 the Island of Vuna, it is necessary, if favored by the tide, and com- 

 ing from the northward, to close with the Vuna shore to the north 

 of Corolib Island, which is free of coral. The best berth to anchor 

 in is directly off the town of Somu-somu, with the Island of Corolib 

 bearing west, 1* miles distant: there the anchor may be dropped in 

 12 fathoms water. 



If desirous of proceeding to the south from Somu-somu, an inside 

 passage between Corolib and the land may be taken, passing the sand- 

 banks to the south-southeast of that island (which are visible at low 

 water) and the Vuna shore. Owing to the eddy winds under the lee 

 of Vuna, this passage is sometimes very tedious, and therefore it is 

 better to seek at once the middle of the strait, as less subject to 

 calms and eddy winds. 



If bound to the northward, the ebb tide will carry you clear of the 

 island, where the regular easterly trade will be found, and enable a 

 vessel to stand to windward of the Island of Rambe and Unda Point. 

 It is advisable to keep, as near as possible, the mid-channel between 

 Rambe and the Ringgold Isles, which is free from coral reefs or 

 obstruction. 



Somu-somu offers refreshments of every kind, which are purchased 

 from the king, who is friendly to foreigners. Two missionaries reside 

 there, who obligingly afford all information that may be necessary. 



STRAIT OF SOMU-SOMU. 



The Strait of Somu-somu separates the large island of Vanua Levu 

 from the Island of Vuna and the Ringgold Isles. It is 10 miles in 

 length, by 5 wide at the narrowest part. Opposite to the town of 

 Somu-somu, the strait is much obstructed with shoals > surrounding 

 Corolib or Goat Island, and the great reef which extends from the 

 Vanua Levu shore a long distance into the strait. The tides are 

 rapid ; the flood runs to the southward, while the ebb sets strong to 

 the northward. This strait is perfectly practicable for vessels, but 

 requires precaution in navigating. When bound to the southward, 

 the middle of the strait should be kept, until the Island of Corolib 

 bears east-northeast ; the shoals near it will then be passed. These 

 shoals extend nearly a mile to the west of the Island of Corolib : in 

 some places there is not more than 10 feet water on them. After 



