V I T I GROUP. 



245 



until the reefs off Kamba Point can be cleared, then either to pass to 

 the eastward of the Island of Kantavu, or through the Kantavu Pas- 

 sage to the westward ; by this route a vessel will gain an offing much 

 sooner than by any other. The departure by the Round Island Pas- 

 sage requires daylight; it is distant from Ovolau 100 miles; the course 

 lies about northwest-by-west. In resolving to take this route there 

 should be a commanding breeze, the weather fine, and an early departure 

 made, in order to secure daylight. The first course after clearing the 

 harbor is to steer for the Island of Vitimera, which lies some 30 miles 

 west from Ovolau, thence direct for Awakalo or Round Island. There 

 are no shoals in this route but what are visible, and by proper precau- 

 tion in stationing lookouts, these can be seen and avoided. In the 

 morning, when the sun is to the east, is the best time to pass out ; by 

 noon these reefs will all be passed, and if care is taken to avoid being 

 set by the tide to the northward, there is no danger to be appre- 

 hended. After passing Round Island, all dangers are at an end, and 

 an offing to the westward is soon reached. 



CHICOBEA. 



Chicobea is a small island lying off Unda Point, the northeast point 

 of Vanua Levu. It is 20 miles distant, and in fair weather may be 

 seen from the large island ; it rises in two knolls to a considerable 

 height. It is 3 miles in length, northwest and southeast, and 2 in 

 width, and has a coral reef around its shores. There is no safe anchor- 

 age for vessels, or anything to induce a visit to it, and but few inhabi- 

 tants. It is the most northern island of the Feejee Group. The lati- 

 tude of its highest and most northern knoll was ascertained to be in 

 15° 47' 40" south, and longitude 179° 51' west. 



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