240 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



WAIA ISLAND. 



Waia Island is the highest of the Asaua Group ; its inhabitants 

 are deemed the most warlike and treacherous. Its form is nearly 

 circular, 3 miles in diameter, and it has but one indentation, that 

 of the Bay of Poto on its southeast side. Its highest peak rises to 

 the height of 1640 feet; there are several that attain nearly this 

 altitude ; indeed, the whole surface of the island seems to be but a 

 collection of peaks and fastnesses. It is well populated, and the 

 natives enjoy the reputation, even among the Feejee Islands, of being 

 a set of pirates and bad fellows, making frequent incursions on the 

 towns of the other islands ; its population is estimated at 3000. 

 Poto Bay offers a tolerable anchorage ; there is a village lying on its 

 western side. In approaching this bay there are three coral patches 

 lying off Bombote Point, to the south and southwest, from half a mile 

 to 2 miles distant. Waia is surrounded by a shore-reef, which 

 extends on the north, and includes the small Island of Vatu, and also 

 joins with that of Waialailai Island at the south. Wood and water 

 and some provisions may be procured here, but I would not advise, 

 unless in cases of necessity, a vessel seeking the island for that purpose. 

 The inhabitants are mostly engaged in fishing for turtle on the neigh- 

 boring islands and reefs during the season. 



WAIALAILAI AND WAIALAILAI-THAKE. 



Waialailai, as well as Waialailai-thake, lies directly south of 

 Waia. They resemble it in its topography, but are of minor conse- 

 quence. The former is 2 miles in length, by li at its greatest 

 breadth ; the latter is a mile in length, by half a mile in breadth. 

 On the latter is a remarkable peak, which now bears the name of 

 Observatory Hill ; its altitude is 555 feet. Temporary anchorage may 

 be found under these islands on the eastern side. 



BIVA ISLAND. 



Biva Island is the most western of the Feejee Group ; it lies 10 

 miles to the west of the Asaua range. It is low, of coral formation, 

 has a lagoon on the south, which is formed by the extension of the 



