danger you seem most to fear, as they are said to

be shaken by earthquakes.

1

"Now mark the superior advantages enjoyed by those islands where great irregularity of surface has already been produced by volcanic agency. We will take the Society Islands for an example. They have mountains of sufficient elevation to intercept the clouds wafted by the trade-winds over the surface of the Pacific, which descending upon them in fertilizing showers, they are clothed with verdure to their very summits. The scenery of these islands is described as most beautiful and romantic; the shores are diversified by little sequestered glens, where the cottages of the natives are seen peeping from under the shade of luxuriant trees, and by cultivated plantations, often extending from the margin of the sea to the feet of the mountains, which are mostly in the central part of the island, sometimes rising in a broken range, with here and there a pyramidal or conical summit towering above them. This variety of surface is not only enchanting to the eye, but the means of substantial benefits: these picturesque islands are generally well supplied with water, which every where is essential to health and comfort, and the

1 Cuvier, Note, p. 332.

H

greatest of all luxuries in a tropical climate. Abundant streams gush from the sides of the mountains, and having to make their way through an uneven, rocky country, they are often precipitated in cascades, which impart a delightful freshness and vivacity to the surrounding scenery. When these rivers reach the sea, they appear to be the means of another important benefit, which, as it is connected with a remarkable circumstance in the formation of coral-islands, is worthy of attention. Most of the older islands are surrounded by reefs of coral, frequently at the distance of one or two miles from the shore, which act as breakwaters, defending the islands they inclose from the encroachments of the sea. But you know, Harry, there may be too much, even of a good thing. It would not be at all pleasant for the islanders to be shut in from the rest of the world by a solid wall of coral, perhaps twenty or thirty yards wide. They could have no harbours, no commerce with other nations now this evil is prevented, and the opposite advantage secured, apparently by means of the rivers; at least it is a very remarkable fact, that in each of the islands, opposite to the large valleys through which the rivers flow into the sea, there is usually a break or opening in the coral

CORAL-REEF.

1

147

rampart. Whether the current constantly flowing from the rivers to the ocean prevents the little architects from continuing their labours by any quality in the fresh water which is injurious to them, I cannot tell you; but if I could, this would be only explaining the cause which influences the unconscious instrument. The fact that such openings are left in the coral-reef, in situations most favourable to the convenience and improvement of the islanders, must still be ascribed to the foresight of a wise and benevolent Providence. I have said a great deal about coral-islands, Harry, partly because the subject is so very curious, but chiefly because, from the commencement to the perfection of their structure, we are permitted to trace the operation of the means employed by the great Creator for the completion of his work. I think it is impossible to reflect upon them, without our minds being impressed with reverence for that wisdom which, through such a long succession of ages, has foreseen and provided for every thing, overruling every inferior agent, from the movements of the coral-worm to those of the earthquake and volcano. It is indeed melancholy to reflect how long these beautiful islands have been ten

1 Ellis's Polynesian Researches, ii. 3.

anted by a race of people who realized the description of good Bishop Heber:

Here 'every prospect pleases,

And only man is vile.'

But a brighter day is now dawning upon them: the natives are relinquishing their depraving superstitions, and we may hope, that to all the blessings and bounties of Providence, will be added the increasing knowledge of Him from whom they flow."

“I am glad of that," said Harry; "it will make them a great deal happier. I do not believe that poor heathens love their false gods, they are only afraid of them;-and I am very much obliged to you for telling me all these entertaining facts about coral-islands. You said, very truly, that it is a most curious subject. I like it because we seem to see the whole progress from beginning to end. Those openings in the reefs please me particularly, for I should not at all like to be shut in by a wall of coral but as it does not rise above the water, is there not great danger at high-water of missing the passage, and running against the rocks?"

:

"In many of the openings this danger is prevented, by what I was going to call a beautiful

ISLANDS ON THE REEF.

149

combination of circumstances. The constant current passing the opening, deposits on the ends of the reef fragments of coral, sea-weeds, and driftwood, which in time rise above the surface of the water. Seeds borne thither by the current flowing outwards from the river, wafted by the winds, or deposited by birds, in time produce a soil, as I have before told you; and beautiful little fairylooking islands are formed on the ends of the reefs at the entrances of the different harbours. The tall cocoa-trees, which frequently adorn them, form a natural beacon, visible for many miles; and thus, not only the native canoes, but foreign merchantships, are enabled to steer directly towards the spot where they are sure of finding a passage to the shore. '

66

"I must not quit these reefs, Harry, without attempting to give you some idea of a most beautiful and sublime spectacle which they frequently exhibit, especially the reef on the eastern shores of Ulitea and Tahaa, which is exposed to the full influence of the trade-wind, driving the waves with violence against it. The long rolling billows of the Pacific, extending sometimes, in one unbroken line, for a mile and a half along the reef, when

1 Ellis, ii. 4.