V I T I GROUP. 



231 



shelter for vessels, and is, as before stated, fringed with coral ; near 

 the centre of the island lies the small islet of Latu ; it is connected 

 to the island by the shore-reef, over which boats may pass when it 

 is high water. The Island of Y'Endua has a fruitful soil, and but a 

 few years before our visit (1840) contained a large population, who 

 were abundantly able to supply the wants of vessels ; but it had been 

 almost depopulated since by one of the powerful chiefs of Vanua 

 Levu, who massacred its inhabitants. It will be some years before it 

 will be again in a state to afford supplies of any kind. Wood and 

 water may be obtained here, the latter from many springs just above 

 high water mark. 



Vessels intending to go to sea from 'Mbua Bay, ought to take the 

 Sifo Channel, passing between the Lela Reef and those off Y'Endua, 

 steering a southwest-by-south course, until they bring Y'Endua to 

 bear north, when they may keep away directly for the highlands of 

 Ya-Asaua : this will carry them clear of the Fafo Reef; when Awakalo 

 or Round Island is seen from the deck, they may steer for it : this 

 course will avoid the Sakau Reef, extending 20 miles from "V 'Endua 

 to the west, most of it being sunken rocks, with various depths of water. 

 On passing Awakalo, a course from west-northwest to northwest will 

 lead to sea and an offing. 



AWAKALO OR ROUND ISLAND. 



Awakalo or Round Island lies north 75° west 32 miles from Y'Endua. 

 The Great Sea or Western Reef of the Viti Group reaches to within 6 

 miles of this island ; it loses itself here in a sunken reef, the point of 

 which bears north from Awakalo. The Island of Awakalo is nearly 

 circular in shape, and has but one part, on the west side, where a 

 landing can be effected. The eastern side is a perpendicular escarp- 

 ment, and the whole island has the appearance of having been torn 

 and ruptured by volcanic fires. To the east and southeast, there are 

 patches of sunken reefs, extending some 7 miles, no doubt a con- 

 tinuation of the Sakau Reef ; although separated from it by a broad 

 space. 



This island is 515 feet high, half a mile in circumference, and 

 can be seen at a considerable distance. Standing as it does alone, 

 it has the appearance of a large mound : it may be quite closely 

 approached. A vessel may anchor on its east side upon some 



