220 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



passing Corolib, keep a mid-channel course, until to the southward 

 of Tokanova Point; this clears Tokanova Reef, which projects nearly 

 due east from that point. When clear of it, the Vuna side ought not 

 to be closed with, as a vessel may be becalmed for a long time under 

 the lee of the island. The shore, however, is bold, and may be closely 

 approached. At this part of the Island of Vuna there is only a shore 

 coral reef, of little width. 



KAMIA, LAUTHALA, AND MATANGI. 



These three islands lie within the same reef, to the east of 

 Vuna; they will therefore be described together. Kamia and Lau- 

 thala are very lofty, rising nearly to the height of Vuna ; their 

 surfaces are much more broken and less susceptible of cultivation. 

 The length of Kamia lies east and west ; it is much the largest, being 

 6 miles long, by 4 wide. Lauthala lies with its length across that of 

 Kamia, and is but 3 miles long by wide ; they are separated by a 

 channel half a mile wide, which is free from dangers, with deep water. 

 The Island of Matangi is but a mile and a half in circumference ; 

 it rises to a considerable elevation, though in consequence of its 

 nearness to Kamia it appears low, and cannot be distinguished until 

 well up with it. Matangi is surrounded by a shore-reef. A mile to 

 the eastward of it, the Great Sea-Reef which surrounds these islands 

 begins, trending first east and then south, around Lauthala, whence it 

 turns west, parallel with the Island of Kamia, until it reaches its 

 southwest point, where it ends in broken patches. The whole length 

 is 18 miles; it has no breaks in it. The west end of Kamia forms the 

 eastern side of Tasman's Strait. It has two bays, formed by indenta- 

 tions at its western end, but they are filled with coral ; the southern 

 one may be known by the Pig Islets. Neither are places for anchor- 

 ing in, particularly when better and more suitable harbors are so 

 near at hand. The principal harbor is under Matangi, between it and 

 Kamia. In the approach towards Matangi there are several patches 

 of coral, which are visible ; they may be passed without danger, by 

 keeping a good lookout ; they extend in a curve round to the north- 

 west from the island into Tasman's Strait. 



