V I T I G R U P. 



243 



peak near its centre ; it has a diversified and picturesque appearance. 

 For its size Malolo is one of the most fruitful islands of the group. It 

 is well cultivated. 



The reef around Malolo is much broken, and the passage intricate 

 for small vessels. The sea-reef extends to Waldron and Speiden 

 Islets ; it is 2 miles in width ; at these small islets there is an open- 

 ing in the reef, which I named the Malolo Passage. These islets are 

 situated on separate coral patches, lying inside the sea-reef, and covered 

 with green bushes; they form an excellent mark for the passage. The 

 coral reef on which they are situated extends several hundred feet in 

 a northerly direction from the islets, but, notwithstanding, the passage 

 is clear and safe. The islets lie northwest and southeast from each 

 other, three-fourths of a mile distant, and about the same distance 

 within the entrance. The course through and between the islets is 

 northeast half north : the tide generally runs in the same direction. 

 It is advisable to keep nearest to Waldron Islet, both passing in or out, 

 as its reef is narrower ; this will avoid the point of the reef extending 

 to the north, off Speiden Islet. A mile to the north of the Malolo 

 Passage there is another break in the sea-reef, which may be entered, 

 steering to pass to the northward of Waldron Islet, but I should prefer 

 to make use of the Malolo Passage. In the afternoon the wind gene- 

 rally is favorable to enter, at which time the reefs are visible, the sun 

 being in the west. At low water the reefs are dry. 



The anchorage under Malolo on the east side is confined and much 

 obstructed by coral knolls ; it is difficult to get a clear berth for any 

 but a small vessel; for a vessel of large size, it is better to anchor out- 

 side the reefs, between Malolo and Viti Levu. 



Malololailai is connected by the coral reef with Malolo ; it is about 

 one-third the size of the larger island. Palmers and Soni Islands lie 

 on the northwest side of Malolo three-fourths of a mile, and close to 

 the reef. Kuku Islet is on the southwest side. 



The inhabitants of Malolo were, until our visit, deemed, with those 

 of Waia, the most savage of the Feejees. The necessity I was under 

 of administering punishment for the massacre of my officers, has had 

 the effect to change their character, and vessels may now visit the 

 island with safety, and receive all the hospitality and assistance 

 they may desire, with supplies in small quantities. 



