10 bulletin: museum of comparative zoology. 



now above sea-level and about 200 feet below the general level of its 

 well-defined rim. 



Terraced structure was certainly very plainly visible in a photograph 

 by Mr. Andrews of Yathata. 



In the case of Yathata, it is probable that whatever may be the age of 

 its oldest and highest limestone area, whether it be late or middle Ter- 

 tiarv, it has representatives of limestones in its lower terraces of various 

 intermediate ages between Tertiary and Recent, as these terraces are 

 probably not terraces of erosion, but terraces of growth during pauses in 

 the elevation. 



That the latest elevatory movements have taken place in recent 

 geological time, is proved by the freshness and good state of preserva- 

 tion of the wave-worn grooves in the sea cliffs at Vatu Leile and else- 

 where up to a height of 50 feet above sea-level, as detailed by Mr. 

 Andrews in his notes forwarded to you. Mr. Andrews' observations 

 emphasize, I think, the need upon which you have so often insisted 

 for making a separate study of each group of coral reefs and considering 

 them in relation to the local geographical, biological, and geological 

 conditions. 



The whole question of the exact mode of origin of the massive raised 

 limestones of Fiji appears to me to be one which can only be satis- 

 factorily answered by careful examination of thin slices prepared for the 

 microscope of your own collections, supplemented by those forwarded 

 by Mr. Andrews. 



Sydney, New South Wales, 

 March 15, 1899. 



