HAWAIIAN, OR SANDWICH ISLANDS. 



291) 



ment the headway ceases, and to prevent her dragging on the lee reef. 

 When the elbow between the outer and inner harbor is reached, the 

 sails may be again used to pass into the inner harbor. The inner 

 harbor, though not large, is convenient and safe. It is necessary to 

 moor head and stern, on account of the smallness of space. The 

 depth of water on the bar is sufficient to admit vessels drawing not 

 more than 17 feet water. At the entrance of the passage there is a 

 small shoal, called the Middle Ground, on which there is but 5 i feet 

 of water : if there is any swell on, this ought to be carefully avoided. 

 While in the act of entering or passing through the channel, if the 

 ship's headway is stopped, and she begins to fall off, the anchor 

 should be instantly dropped, and hawsers run out to the buoys 

 on the reef. The authorities at Honolulu are always particular in 

 having assistance ready on the reef to warp men-of-war, and they 

 are in other respects extremely obliging in affording aid. The pilots 

 are skilful and attentive, and perfectly competent to manage a vessel; 

 their fees include services both for entrance and departure. Although 

 there is no kind of difficulty in the latter, yet it is advisable to make 

 use of them. 



Honolulu offers the most convenient port for repairs among the 

 islands in the Pacific. Very good mechanics are to be found there, 

 and almost all kinds of supplies, excepting large spars, can be pro- 

 cured. Fresh provisions are abundant and good ; they consist of beef, 

 mutton, and all kinds of poultry ; vegetables and fruits are plenty. 

 Water is conveniently obtained up the creek, which empties into the 

 harbor at the west end of the town, and it may also be had at the 

 wells, but there it is not so good. It can only be obtained at high 

 water, the water falling too low upon the ebb to admit boats to pass 

 over the reef to the creek. It is believed that better arrangements 

 have been made since our visit to supply vessels with this necessary 

 article. The port of Honolulu is now the general resort of the whale 

 ships that require repairs. With the exception of the enticements 

 held out to crews, it is the best port for this purpose. Many of our 

 vessels will hereafter resort to our own ports, in Oregon and Cali- 

 fornia, which are certainly better adapted for refitting and refresh- 

 ments. 



As before remarked, Pearl River, or Ewa, does not afford sufficient 

 depth of water for vessels. The time, however, may come when the 

 Hawaiian government will be induced to remove the obstruction, — a 



