440 PERCY SLADEN TRUST EXPEDITION 



The Aldabra series thus provides an interesting comparison between the various 

 phases in the life-history of an atoll, and it might perhaps be asked as to how it is 

 that several atolls, if they came into existence simultaneously, can have reached such 

 different stages in the same time, and in this connection it may be pointed out that 

 the rapidity of the various retrograde processes will depend (l) on the height to which 

 the atoll was elevated, (2) on the depth of the primary lagoon, (3) on the width and 

 perfection of the land-rim, of all of which we know little in the case of atolls in an 

 advanced stage, such as Cosmoledo and Farquhar. 



Further speculation would suggest the questions as to whether the Chagos and 

 Amirantes were once completely formed of coral rock, and whether the Saya de Malha 

 and Nazareth Banks represent the site of former coral rock islands, or whether they 

 are new formations. The data to determine such points however no longer exist, and 

 speculation without the necessary basis of facts is unsatisfactory, and indeed useless. 



In conclusion I desire to place on record my indebtedness to the Master and Fellows 

 of Gonville and Caius College for electing me Shuttleworth Research Student of the 

 College, to His Excellency W. E. Davidson, Governor of the Seychelles, and to the many 

 gentlemen, who by their advice and kindness materially assisted me in my work. 



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