298 CORALS AND CORAL ISLANDS. 



area of elevation. We observe that while the Samoan Islands 

 afford no evidences of elevation, the Tonga Islands on the 

 south have been raised, and also the Fakaafo Group and 

 others on the north. 



' We cannot, therefore, distinguish any evidence that a general 

 rise is, or has been, in progress ; yet some large areas appear 

 to have been simultaneously affected, although the action has 

 generally been isolated. Metia and Elizabeth Island may 

 have risen abruptly ; but the changes of level in the Feejees 

 and the Friendly Islands appear to have taken place by 

 gradual action. 



