152 THE CORAL REEFS OF THE MALDI\TES. 



BOTTOM DEPOSITS IN THE LAGOONS. 



At a number of localities, generally at our anchorages in the Maldives 

 and in the central parts of the lagoons, we collected samples of the bottom 

 deposits as well as of the sand or other material forming the beaches, both 

 of the lagoon and of the sea faces of the islands we visited. It is proposed 

 to work up this material in connection with similar collections made during 

 my explorations of the coral reefs of the Pacific and West Indies. I hope 

 later to publish a report on the extensive collections brought together to 

 illustrate the nature of the lagoon and beach deposits on coral reefs. 



A few notes only are given here to show the character of the bottom of 

 the Maldive lagoons.^ 



At anchor off Male Island, in twenty-six fathoms, the bottom consisted 

 of broken and rolled coral fragments covered with Nullipores. 



At anchor off Kagi, extreme northern part of North Male, in twenty-two 

 fathoms, the bottom was covered with sponges and Nullipores, and fragments 

 of coral. 



At anchor off Maro (Fadiffolu), in twenty-six fathoms, the bottom con- 

 sisted of fine gray coral sand, the dredge brought up many shells, a few 

 Crustacea, and a Maretia. 



At anchor off Turadu (South Malosmadulu), in twenty-one fathoms, the 

 bottom was composed of Corallines and Algae, with Orbitolites, Nodosoria, 

 with masses of broken and worn shells and fragments of Laganum and 

 of Metalia. 



At anchor off Medu (North Malosmadulu), in eighteen fathoms, the 

 bottom consisted of NuUipoi-es, Corallines, Algae, and dead corals. 



At anchor off Anguretin (North Malosmadulu), in twenty-eight fathoms, 

 the bottom made up of broken shells, coral sand, and Corallines. 



' An interesting analysis of the deposits collected by Mr. Gardiner, principally in the huge 

 lagoon of Suvadiva, has been given by Sir John Murray; this is supplemented by general notes on the 

 lagoon deposits of the Maldives from Mr. Gardiner (loc. cit., p. 581). 



