142 



REPORTS OF INVESTIGATIONS AND PROJECTS. 



table. The number of observations is small, and while the measurements 

 were not so complete or accurate as desired, they are important as showing 

 the growth to be rather rapid. During the past field season (May, 1909) the 

 number of growth observations was extended, so that now records are kept 

 of the growth rate of 53 separate colonies, representing 13 species. The 

 planted attached young, to which reference will later be made, are not in- 

 cluded in this number. The measurements for 1909 are more complete and 

 more accurate than those for 1908, but still greater accuracy is desired and 

 will be obtained. It is also intended to increase the observations until rather 

 large series of all the shallow species are included. All of the colonies for 

 which measurements are given live on the piers of the Fort Jefferson dock. 



Transplanting Experiments. 



In 1908 two specimens of Mceandra clivosa were transplanted from the 

 strong light of the outside of the piers to the shaded area under the ware- 

 house. One of the specimens was broken from its attachment, while the 

 other held. The latter died, but that the change of habitat was responsible 

 for its death is not positive, as the specimen may have been exposed at low 

 tide. 



Specimens of Busmilia knorri, Oculina sp., Favia fraguni, Mceandra laby- 

 rinthiformis, M. areolata, M. clivosa, and Porites pontes var. were trans- 

 planted from the piers of the Government dock to the fort moat. The fate 

 of the specimens (Busmilia, Oculina, Favia fragum, Mceandra areolata, and 

 M. labyrinthiformis) placed near the western entrance to the moat is given 

 in a letter from Dr. Mayer dated May 2"^, 1908 : 



We had a very low spring tide in the moat and this fully exposed your corals near the 

 entrance. The Oculina, such portions of the Busmilia as were exposed, and the Mceandra 

 labyrinthiformis were killed. The Porites, M. areolata, and Siderastrea were not appar- 

 ently injured by the exposure. 



Because of insecure attachment, all of the specimens placed in this local- 

 ity were washed away. Specimens of Favia fragum and one of Mceandra 

 areolata placed near the sallyport of the fort were also washed away. A 

 species of Orbicella annularis was transplanted from the reef near the fort 

 to the moat. Part of it was killed by exposure at low tide and subsequently 

 it all died. It apparently could not stand the moat conditions. Specimens of 

 the following species lived : Busmilia knorri, Mceandra areolata, M. labyrin- 

 thiformis, and M. clivosa. Unfortunately all were not measured in 1908 

 for growth rate. 



1 This specimen was alive after one year and had grown a little, but was not thriving. 

 It was largely covered with calcareous ooze. 

 ' This colony had evidently grown well under the changed environment. 



