FUNAFUTI: THE STORY OF A CORAL ATOLL. 



405 



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 not 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 Prof. 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 completed 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 



oo°°oooooooo 



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 tind 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 undoubtedly 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. 



The sand showing little trace of consolidation, which was noticed in 

 our boring down to 100 feet, is maintained in Professor David's boring 

 down to about 100 fathoms, and it is not a little remarkable that 

 material so loosely aggregated should be able to sustain itself in slopes 

 of as much as 80°, such as characterize the flanks of Funafuti. It is 



