24 . THE GREAT BARRIER REEF. 



developed around the periplieral, or growing, edges vary in separate colony-stocks from pale lilac 

 to priiTirose-3^ello\v. Among other luxuriant coral-growths conspicuous in this reef-view, those of 

 Pocillopom tiaiiiiconiis, a little to the right of the central foreground, and ot Madrcporn aiistralis, 

 of which a fine corallum occupies almost the immediate centre, are the most noteworthy. 



(B.)-LOW WOODY REEF, OUTER BARRIER SERIES, NO. 3. 



This reef-view, while delineating an area separated by a very short interval from that of 

 the preceding illustration, includes a conspicuously distinct variety of coral species. The most 

 prominent growths in this area are again referable to the genus Madrepora, but represent that 

 loosely-branching, bush-forming section upon which the title of Stags'-horn corals is, par 

 excellence, popularly conferred. Madrepora liebes, which monopolises so extensive a share of the 

 Lark Passage view, Plate XII., reappears in this reef-scene, but accompanied by many additional 

 branching species, including the elegant blue-tipped Madrepora piilclira, M. scanida, 71/. iniiricata, 

 and other varieties. On the eroded Goniastraea, towards the right, may be observed a small 

 corymbose colony-stock of Madrepora Heiiiprichi, whose ordinary life-tints are a rich cream-colour, 

 with the terminal inch to each branchlet a brilliant lilac. A larger and more distinct illustration 

 of this very handsome coral is represented by Fig. 20 of the bleached specimen group embodied in 

 Plate I. Pocillopora dainiconiis, as in the preceding view, contributes extensively to the coral fauna 

 of the present reef-scape, and is distinguished in life by its purplish or rust-brown basal stems and 

 light lilac or fawn terminal branchlets. The white mass growing on top of the Pocillopora coral- 

 stock, in the left-hand corner of the foreground, is an encrusting, flexible Alcyonium that threatens 

 to envelop and suffocate the rigid coral. 



PLATE XIV. 



SKULL REEF, OUTER BfiRRIER SERIES, NO. 4.* 



The raison d'etre of the title associated with this reef-view scarcely requires elaborate 

 explanation. At a fir^t glance, and in default of further information concerning its coral nature, 

 this scene might be interpreted to be the deserted battle-field of some titanic Mongolian horde, 

 who had left behind them decapitated heads and grinning skulls as grim trophies of their 

 desperate encounter. In the remarkably symmetrical headpiece lying near the front, the very 

 dint that laid it low seems visible on its forehead, while, close against the lachrymal outlet of its 

 right eye, reposes the unmistakable vestige of an unevaporated tear. 



* In consequence of two Outer Barrier reef-views having had to make way for the introduction of other important 

 subjects after copies of this and the succeeding plate were printed off, the original numbering associated with the titles has 

 been accidentally retained. They should read, respectively, as Outer Barrier series, Nos. 4 and 5, in place of Nos. 6 and 7. 



