200 CORALS AND CORAL ISLANDS. 
mile, and in some parts three-fourths. Among the trees large 
masses of coral rock often exposed to view, and the surface in 
many parts very rough. It seemed surprising at all these 
islands that there should be so luxuriant a growth of trees 
and shrubbery over so rocky a surface. Shores of the lagoon 
nearly flat. On one side there was a large area of extremely 
fine coral sand and mud, which extended a long distance into 
the lagoon. Elsewhere about the centre of the island the 
reef-rock was bare, and contained numerous shells of Tri- 
dacnz. A few small Madrepores still growing in the lagoon. 
Beach on the sea-shore side eight feet high. In lower part 
of beach several layers of white limestone (the beach sand- 
rock), formed of coral fragments or sand, shells, etc., much 
of which was very compact. The layers inclined toward the 
sea at an angle of about six degrees. Shore platform as else- 
where in this archipelago. 
The facts above stated are evidence of a slight ele- 
vation, probably not exceeding three feet (see fig. 5, page 
168). . 
Taiara, or King’s, Paumotu Archipelago. — 15° 42’ S. 
144° 46’ W. 22 miles by 13, trending northwest. Has a 
small lagoon with no entrance. Reef almost continuously 
wooded around, somewhat broken into patches. 
Ahii, or Peacock’s Island, Paumotu Archipelago. — 14° 
30’ S. 146° 20’ W. 13 miles by 6, trending N. E. by EH. 
Shape irregularly oblong. A large lagoon, having an entrance 
for small vessels on the west. Reef wooded throughout nearly 
its whole circuit. Lagoon shallow, and much obstructed by 
growing coral, the latter giving the water over it a clear light 
green color. Platform, or outer coral shelf of the island, 
about two hundred and fifty feet wide; under water except 
at the lowest tides. Margin highest, and covered with Nulli- 
