PRHEFACH. 
HE object in view in the preparation of this work has been 
to present a popular account of “Corals and Coral 
Islands,” without a sacrifice of scientific precision, or, on the 
main topic, of fulness. Dry details and technicalities have 
been avoided so far as was compatible with this restriction, 
explanations in simple form have been freely added, and 
numerous illustrations introduced, in order that the subject 
may have its natural attractiveness to both classes of readers. 
I have opened the volume with a chapter on “ Corals and 
Coral makers,” describing, under it, the forms and structure 
of polyps; how they live and grow and hold their own in a 
world of enemies; how coral-making species secrete their 
coral; how they multiply, and develop their large clusters, 
spreading leaves and branching forms, so much like those 
among plants; and in what seas they thrive, and under what 
conditions produce the coral plantations, 
All this is prefatory to the following part of the volume on 
Coral Reefs and Islands, which comprises a description of the 
features and structure of these reef-formations, an account of 
~ their mode of accumulation and increase, and a discussion of 
