BEAUTY OF CORAL. ' 99 



is the Paradise of flowers that can rival such variety and 

 beauty ?'' 



Mr. J. Beete Jukes, in giving his own vivid impressions 

 on seeing some coral-beds in the Pacific, says: 



*' I had hitherto been rather disappointed by the aspect of 

 the coral-reefs, so far as beauty was concerned ; and, though 

 very wonderful, I had not seen in them much to admire. 

 One day, however, on the lee side of one of the outer reefs, 

 I had reason to change my opinion. In a small bay of the 

 inner edge of the reef was a sheltered nook, where the ex- 

 treme slope was well exposed, and where every coral was 

 in full life and luxuriance." 



Mr. Jukes describes them as of every shape ; some deli- 

 cate and leaf-like, others with large branching stems, and 

 others, again, exhibiting an assemblage of interlacing twigs 

 of the most delicate and exquisite workmanship. Their 

 colors were unrivaled, vivid greens contrasting with more 

 sober browns and yellows, mingled with rich shades of pur- 

 ple, from pale pink to deep blue. Among the branches, cov- 

 ered with their beautiful drapery of ocean vegetation, float- 

 ed fish of various colors, radiant with metallic green or 

 crimson, or fantastically banded with yellow and black 

 stripes. Patches of clear white sand were seen here and 

 there for the floor, with dark hollows and recesses. All 

 these, seen through the clear crystal water, the ripple of 

 which gave motion and quick play of light and shadow to the 

 whole, formed a scene of rarest beauty, and left nothing to 

 be desired by the eye, either in elegance of form, or bril- 

 liancy and harmony of coloring. 



It is only in the ocean, however, that the glorious homes 

 of the rock-builders are to be seen in perfection ; for, im- 

 mediately after drawing the coral from the water, so rapidly 

 does atmospheric exposure afi'ect them, that it would be 

 diflScult to recognize the lovely objects which a moment be- 

 fore were glowing in the still waters. 



