xxiv PREFA TOR Y NOTE. 



theory are alike weak, for all have made these processes 

 {i.e., solution and abrasion) their chief reliance, whether appeal- 

 ing to a calcareous, a volcanic, or a mountain-peak basement 

 for the structure. The subsidence which the Darwinian theory 

 requires has not been opposed by the mention of any fact at 

 variance with it, nor by setting aside Darwin's arguments in its 

 favour ; and it has found new support in the soundings off 

 Tahiti that have been put in array against it, and strong cor- 

 roboration in the facts from the West Indies.' And if at such 

 an early stage another impartial opinion may be expressed, it is 

 this one : — that many of Darwin's critics have not carefully 

 read his work, and that, so far as the controversy has, as yet, 

 advanced, the theory of subsidence accounts for the majority, if 

 not all, of the features of coral-reef formation. On no other 

 theory, indeed, can the African element in the Indian fauna be 

 explained than on the supposition that land once stretched 

 between Mozambique and the Malabar coast which has become 

 depressed, and which is now alone represented by the Chagos 

 Bank, the Saya de Malha, and the Laccadive and Maldive 

 Islands. Darwin died on April 19, 1882, and, if we may judge 

 by his letters, he remained convinced to the last of the general 

 truthfulness of his theory. But, no matter how future observa- 

 tions may decide, had he written no other work and simply 

 rested on his laurels, this book alone by its very inductive 

 reasoning and patient marshalling of facts would have remained 

 as an everlasting monument of scientific acumen, and would 

 have placed him in the front rank of investigators. 



In bringing this book, as far as possible, up to the date of our 

 present information on the subject, the Editor has made free 

 use of Professor Bonney's Appendix to the third edition of 

 Darwin's Coral Reefs (Smith, Elder, & Co.), and of Professor 

 Geikie's Address to the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 

 {Proceedings, vol. viii. p. 1). He has also to thank his friend, 

 Mr. A. Paling, for several valuable suggestions, and for kindly 

 revising the sheets during the time they were passing through 

 the press. 



JOSEPH W. WILLIAMS. 



