V I T I GROUP. 



in other parts of this group in a state of terror, from the fear of incur- 

 sions when* they are unsuccessful in fishing. The course into this 

 haven is due north. 



Vessels usually take the inner, or ship channel ; it lies between 

 the Tokelau Reef and that which adjoins the Kombelau Islets. 

 Though narrow, it is perfectly safe ; the tide runs through it with 

 velocity, and the depth of water is great. A vessel intending to pass 

 through to the west should take the morning hours for it ; then 

 the sun forms no impediment to a full view of the reefs ; but if the 

 sun has gained the meridian and is declining in the west, it be- 

 comes difficult to make out the sboal patches with even a good 

 lookout at the masthead. Before coming up with the Tokelau Reef 

 there is no danger in the way, and a vessel has nothing to apprehend; 

 it should be determined previously whether the outer or the ship 

 channel is to be taken. They are both safe ; the one may be chosen 

 which may appear at the time to offer the most facilities. 



The outer channel I deem best, if it is the intention to reach an 

 anchorage to the west of Buia Point before dark ; it is broad and there 

 are but one or two patches of coral to pass : the depth on them varies 

 from 9 to 12 and 15 fathoms. The bottom is very irregular, but no 

 shoaler places could be found, and no soundings were obtained less 

 than 9 fathoms. By keeping the outer passage the breeze is pre- 

 served, and a vessel has the full influence of the flood tide, setting to 

 the west. In case of calm, an anchor might be dropped for the night 

 on one of these patches. The south end of the Tokelau Reef is easily 

 discernible, and also the outline of the great Nemena Island Reef, 

 which bounds the channel on its south side, and trends east and west. 



To the west of Kombelau Point, the coast trends west-by-north 5 

 miles, to the point of Nandi Bay ; the land is high, much broken and 

 gullied, and has but little coral along its shores, but there are several 

 patches of coral lying from a mile to 2 miles from the shore. Vessels 

 after passing through the ship channel may find a temporary an- 

 chorage under the lee or west side of the Kombelau Islets, where 

 it would be advisable for them to anchor, if there is any prospect of 

 being benighted in proceeding to the westward. 



Nandi Bay is 2 miles wide by 1 $ deep ; at the head of it is situated 

 the town of Nandi. The bay is fringed with coral ; a very extensive 

 shoal fills up a large part of it, which serves somewhat to protect the 

 anchorage from the sea and wind. It is not a suitable place for a 



