118 FUNAFUTI 



"table-mountain," which, as he rightly divined, is of 

 a similar nature from base to summit. All this is coral 

 reef ; how much more may be so it is impossible in the 

 present state of our knowledge to say. 



The general feeling of disappointment with which our 

 failure to bore through the reef was received was fully shared 

 by our friends in Sydney. Determined riot to be put off 

 with a first rebuff they promptly commenced to make 

 arrangements for a second attempt, and last year (1897) 

 an expedition again left Sydney for Funafuti, this time 

 under the direction of Professor Edgeworth David, of the 

 University of Sydney. Under his leadership the boring 

 proved a complete success. The reef was penetrated to 

 a depth of 697 feet, or 116 fathoms. Thus Darwin's wish 

 has now been more than satisfied. The core brought up 

 was sent over to this country, and is now in the hands 

 of Professor Judd for investigation. Till he has com- 

 pleted his report it would be premature to enter into 

 details, but from a general examination, made without 

 the aid of the microscope, I think I may fairly venture 

 to say this much, that the material brought up from 

 the boring, and of which the reef is composed, presents 

 much the same general character throughout, and so far 

 supports Darwin's theory; that layers of chalky ooze, 

 such as on Sir John Murray's hypothesis we might have 

 expected to find in the lower parts, are conspicuously 

 absent; and finally, that it presents no trace of volcanic 

 material. 



On whatever side judgment may ultimately be given in 

 this question, the thanks of the scientific world must un- 

 doubtedly be conceded to Sir John Murray for having 

 disturbed a decided opinion from its slumber, for having 

 awakened a fresh interest in Darwin's theory, and in thus 

 leading to renewed investigation, which is both adding to 

 our knowledge and suggesting fresh inquiry. 



