358 On Coral Reefs and Islands. 
with a narrow entrance,—and to the left an irregular ship chan- 
nel running between the inner or fringing reef, and the outer or 
barrier. Ata single place the sea is faced by a cliff; and here 
owing to the boldness of the shores and depth of waters, the reef 
is wanting. To the right there is only a fringing reel. 
Coral islands.—Coral islands resemble the reefs just described, 
except that a lake or lagoon is incircled instead of a mountainous 
island. A narrow rim of coral reef, generally but a few hundred 
yards wide, stretches around the enclosed waters. In some parts 
it is so low that the waves are still dashing over it into the la- 
oon; and in others it is still verdant with the rich foliage of 
the tropics. The coral-made land when highest is seldom ele- 
vated over eight or ten feet above high tide. 
When first seen from the deck of a vessel, only a series of 
dark points is descried just above the horizon. Shortly after, the 
points enlarge into the plumed tops of cocoa-nut trees, and a line 
of green, interrupted at intervals, is traced along the water’s sur-— 
face. Approaching still nearer, the lake and its belt of verdure 
are spread out before the eye, and a scene of more interest cag 
scarcely be imagined. The surf beating loud and heavy along the 
margin of the reef, presents a strange contrast to the prospect be- 
yond,—the white coral beach, the massy foliage of the grove, 
and the enbosomed lake with its tiny islets. ‘The color of the 
. . ‘ . r : t 
shore is represented with its usual uneven line,—its broad harbors | 
i 
: 
termingled, where patches of sand or coral-knolls are near t 
surface ; and the green is a delicate apple-shade, quite unlike the 
lagoon is usually broken in some parts into islets which are sepa i 
rated by varying intervals of bare reef; and through one or more i 
2 
° 
=) 
fale} 
t=) 
sg 
S 
fe) 
° 
Lae) 
iz) 
=) 
= 
=. 
= 
o 
oO 
= 
| 
i 
OD 
ay 
ar) 
© 
ag 
> 
@ 
= 
=. 
oy 
<4 
ia) 
D 
8 
a 
S 
The usual features of these islands are presented in the above 
sketch. The narrow belt is seen to consist of several patches 
of vegetation; and within are the quiet waters which offer 2 | 
retreat for vessels whenever there is an opening to the lagoon. 
i 
Fie 
eer | 
