V I T I GROUP. 



241 



reef ; its diameter is a mile ; and although the reef is partly sunken 

 and awash, yet its direction and outline are distinctly seen. The 

 island is densely covered by cocoanut groves ; it is inhabited, and 

 ships may obtain fruit here. The natives are friendly and have had 

 frequent intercourse with ships cruising in the neighborhood for 

 whales. The sea between it and the Asaua range is clear, though it 

 is better for ships lying off and on to keep to the west. It may be seen 

 10 miles. Its position is well determined, and was ascertained to be 

 in latitude 17° 08' 30" south, and longitude 176° 53' 30'' east. There 

 is a narrow entrance on the west side into the lagoon, and anchorage 

 may be found within. 



PORPOISE SHOAL. 



To the north-northeast of Biva Island, 5 miles, lies Porpoise Shoal, 

 which is one mile in length, by half a mile wide ; it is composed 

 of coral. The sea seldom breaks on it, but the discoloration of the 

 water may be seen some distance, and can be avoided. 



WHITE ROCK AND MOKA REEF. 



Five miles to the east of Waia Island, lies the White Rock. It is 

 readily distinguished, and forms a good sailing-mark ; 3 miles far- 

 ther to the east is the extensive Moka Reef, trending from Vomo 

 Island north-northeast towards the north end of Androna, unbroken 

 as far as abreast of the Naviti Passage, a distance of 20 miles ; thence 

 northward are several patches, but the passages between them are 

 wide. On the Moka Reef the sea generally breaks, which causes it 

 to be seen a long distance in fine weather; its limits and trending 

 were accurately determined, and are represented on the chart ; its 

 south end reaches to within 2 miles of Vomo. 



VOMO, OMBI, KNOX, BALDWIN, DAVIS, LEWIS, AND TOTTEN. 



Vomo Island lies southeast from Waialailai, 10 miles. It is a mile 

 and a half in length ; its southern and eastern half rises 250 feet, and 

 has a flat top, while the western is low and sandy, connected by a 

 coral reef with Vomolailai, a small rocky islet, rising abruptly to the 



Gl 



