THE ATOLL OF MINIKOI. 49 



but with each additional inch eroded the condition of the rock should differ further from 

 that of the modern reef, while there is actually little or no change. 



It remains then to consider the form of the atoll, when first elevated, as far as may 

 be deduced from the evidence before us. I have already pointed out that gain and loss 

 are both taking place in respect to the land, and the distribution of these two factors. 

 First it is obvious that the atoll has been stationary for a considerable period of time on 

 account of the broad reef-flat round most of its circumference, together with the lagoon- 

 reef off Minikoi island and the broad sand-flat everywhere. Further there are the same 

 actions of gain and loss in respect to the reef. Without entering into detail no one doubts, 

 so far as I am aware, that a reef in a stationary area, exposed to the sea, would gradually 

 grow seawards. The buttressed edge of the reef of our atoll, all covered with calcareous 

 organisms, the masses growing on to it, and the further masses seaward, covered with 

 nullipores and corals, give indubitable presumption of gain from the sea. On gemral 

 grounds and from experience I consider thai the sea gains on the reef in lagoons, vjhere 

 the circtdation of water is considerable. Specifically I may at Minikoi point to the dead 

 reefs near the north passage, and to the similar character of the whole surface and edge 

 of the reef, extending along from the village to the north points 



Seeing the changes taking place I summoned all the old men of Minikoi to my aid, 

 and by their assistance I am enabled to reconstruct to some extent the appearance of the 

 atoll at the commencement of the last century. First there has been little apparent change, 

 either in the seaward part of the reef, or in the outer beach, save only that the outer 

 paved path was at that time perfect from the village northwards and separated by shrubs 

 from the sea. The rocks at Kodi point further were crowned with coconut trees, and 

 joined to the main island. Belts of coconut trees existed right up from the village to 

 the north of the island along the lagoon shore, while now only a few are found at Boni- 

 Kodi. Indeed the natives add an average breadth from memory (60 years) of 30 to 40 

 yards, an amount which seems incredible in a closed lagoon, but is fully supported by the 

 strewn coconut and other trees on this beach as well as the house remains at Bali-mi- 

 Hungi. The action continually goes on, but hurricanes are especially destructive, causing 

 slips everywhere along both lagoon and outer beaches. Against this must be recorded an 

 extensive gain — 60 to 70 yards it is stated— between the village and Moli-Mati point, but 

 Tundu point has retreated almost a like distance, the intermediate area varying. An island, 

 Tori-Gandu, on the reef to the west of the north passage existed with 4 or 5 coconut 

 trees, while Ragandi at the same time had as many as Wiringili now, i.e. about 30, but 

 the latter island is only slightly smaller. Lastly it was stated that the north passage has 

 broadened greatly, but views as to its deepening, though held by the majority, produced 

 an acrimonious discussion, from which and on other grounds I am not inclined to credit any 

 considerable difference. 



The presence of conglomerate masses I can only regard as indicating the existence 

 of former land in any position, where they now occur. The land then must have at one 



1 My soundings, as compared with the chart, gave miscalculation in the state of the tide, or in the positions of 

 evidence of such inconsiderable change in the same direction the various points taken for fixation, might explam the differ- 

 that I do not care to lay any emphasis on them. A small ences of the two sets of soundings. 



G. 7 



