TARAWAN, OR KINGS MILL GROUP. 



201 



vessels of the squadron, and no island beyond the reef was found, nor 

 was any in sight. The mistake in reference to it seems to have 

 occurred from taking a small islet, connected with the reef and rising 

 into a hummock, for a separate island. 



This island can be seen on its eastern side from 8 to 10 miles in 

 ordinary weather. In approaching it from the westward great care 

 should be taken, as the reef would be fallen in with before any indica- 

 tion of land was perceived. It should not be approached, in that 

 direction, at night or in thick weather, without great caution. The 

 weather or eastern side of the island is clear of dangers ; but as the 

 currents set strong to the westward, a vessel had better pass to lee- 

 ward, unless she has a commanding breeze, and can preserve her 

 position to windward. 



NANOUKI ISLAND. 



Nanouki is the native name of the island that has borne the name 

 of Henderville on the charts. Its shape is a triangle, with its base to 

 the east. The sides trend west-southwest and west-northwest, while 

 its base is on a line north and south : the former are 6 miles long, 

 and the latter 5 ; they embrace a lagoon, but there is no entrance into 

 it for vessels. Boats may find a passage over the reef at high tide 

 on its southwest side. Near the western hummock there is a boat- 

 passage. The base or east side is a continuous strip of land, on which 

 there is a thick growth of trees, and two conspicuous mounds rising 

 above the general surface of coral islands, which enable it to be seen 

 some 12 or 15 miles in ordinary weather. The western termination 

 or point has also a hummock, covered with trees, but it is detached, 

 and only joined to the eastern part by a washed reef. On this 

 end there are two towns, while on the eastern side there are several. 

 It contains a large population, who are but scantily supplied with 

 food, and the island affords neither wood, water, nor refreshments. 

 The natives resemble those of Taputeouea and Nanouti. The western 

 towns are constantly at war with those of the eastern side. 



From the north end of the island around the western point, there is 

 an extensive reef of submerged rocks, extending off from the latter 

 nearly 2 miles. Off this point the sea usually breaks, which enables 

 it to be seen in time to be avoided ; there are reefs also off the north 

 and south points, but they do not extend beyond two cables' length. 



GC 



