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the beauty of the submarine scenery that surrounds the 
islands of the Pacific Ocean. "Those who have occasion to 
pass over the reefs of Mauritius will recognize the general 
accuracy of these descriptions, though they fall much short 
of the reality. The variety of colour and configuration 
exhibited by the coralline productions of these reefs, can 
only be exceeded by that of the animated beings that sport 
among their branches. Every variety of tint, from bur- 
nished gold or silver to the deepest black, is reflected in 
transient flashes on the eye, as they turn their polished 
sides to the solar rays. 
* Nature has been, in this respect, less bountiful to the 
Isle of Bourbon. Its shelving shore, destitute of reefs, 
affords no shelter to the smaller and more brilliant tribes of 
fishes; and such as frequent its coast must be sought for 
in the deep sea, where the fishermen dare not venture with 
their frail canoes, except in very fine weather. Owing to 
this cause also, they are precluded from the use of the 
seine, as well as from another method of fishing, that fur- 
nishes a copious supply to the market of Port-Louis. The . 
night-fishine on the reefs of Mauritius is managed much on 
the same principle as that which is still furtively practised 
9n some of the small rivers of Scotland during the spawning 
season. A faggot of any inflammable wood is kindled in 
the pirogue, and illuminates the reef all round. The fish, 
attracted by the blaze, assemble round the boat, and are 
Speared by the fishermen in vast numbers. — — T : 
“The small extent of the Island of Mauritius, and - 
remote situation in the middle of the ocean, have necessarily 
limited the number of its vegetable productions; and various 
other causes, besides aiding to the same effect, have tended 
to stamp these productions with a peculiar character. The 
moderate height of its mountains is unfavourable to the pro- 
Pagation of alpine plants; and the thickness of its woods to 
that of such as require the full influence of the solar rays; 
While its rocky shores are covered with an animated crust 
t effectually prevents the establishment of those which 
vegetate only beneath the surface of the waves. We find, 
