220 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



the lowest land in the neighhorhood. The reef crosses the mouth 

 of the bay, with a trend more westerly : the entrance is a mile wide, 

 and three miles distant from Hupo Point : to the west there are seve- 

 ral coral patches, and two or three openings through the reef near to 

 Kombelau Point, but they cannot be recommended for vessels : if 

 entered, many intricacies will be found within. 



Three miles to the northeast from the entrance is the inlet of 

 Wailea ; a considerable stream of water flows through it into the bay. 

 The hot springs of Waicama are situated about a mile from the bay up 

 this inlet. The anchorage in the inlet is not a good one ; the water 

 is deep ; and much exposed to the westerly winds. There are a few 

 good berths for vessels, and by mooring head and stern far up it, 

 protection may be had from all winds. 



Around the Bay of Savu-savu are several towns, but there is little 

 to be obtained from thein. The character of the natives does not 

 stand high, and it is necessary to be guarded in having communica- 

 tion with them. The town of Savu-savu is situated about a mile 

 inland from the hot springs ; the natives belonging to it constantly 

 visit the springs for the purpose of cooking their food. Water and 

 provisions may be obtained at Wailea in plenty ; the natives furnish 

 the usual products of the islands, for which cotton cloths and hard- 

 ware are exchanged. 



The land near Kombelau Point rises precipitately in hills from the 

 sea-shore to a considerable elevation. The shores are generally fringed 

 with narrow coral reefs ; beyond these are large outlying reefs, 

 some of which occupy a large area, and are partially bare at low 

 water. The two that are most remarkable are the Sake and To- 

 kelau Reefs ; the one covers the Point of Kombelau on the east, 

 while the other projects off from its point in a south-by-west di- 

 rection. The former is 3 miles in length by I2 in width, and the 

 latter 51 miles in length by 2 miles at its greatest breadth. Off 

 Kombelau Point lie the islets of Moro and Rawaike on the west, and 

 Makatu on the east, each surrounded by coral. There is a snug har- 

 bor for boats or small vessels within these islets ; it is about a mile 

 in length, and an eighth of a mile wide ; the depth of the water is 

 from 5 to 19 fathoms, decreasing from its mouth to the head, where 

 is situated a Bourri house, and a large village or town, occupied by 

 the Kombelau fishermen, who form a strong party in the group ; they 

 are much dreaded by all their neighbors, and hold the small towns 



