64 CRUISE OF THE BARRERA 



coral structure is noticeable although occasional 

 shells are imbedded. The generally flat shape is 

 probably owing to the polishing action of current 

 swept sand. On the inner portion of the actual 

 reef the conditions of life do not appear to be 

 proper for very active growth of the coral polyps 

 but entirely so for many other organisms of close 

 relationship, such as anemones and sea-fans. 

 Larger masses of dead coral observed explain their 

 greater immunity from the various disintegrating 

 processes by their coating of hard coralline algas. 

 These stony algae are of exceedingly brilliant color 

 and give to portions of the reef the appearance of 

 having been painted in gorgeous hues. One 

 cannot at once determine just how much of the 

 massive rock floor of the reef is composed of older 

 coral limestone once exposed to the air and re- 

 crystallized beyond easy recognition as ancient 

 reef rock but now submerged again to form the 

 base or foundation of the present reef. 



I think we were all too much excited by the 

 intense interest of the place, and too much af- 

 fected by its loveliness to make the detailed 

 and careful observations we intended. But other 

 opportunities were abundantly offered us later on. 



