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Show 539 CHAPTER XXII. Keeling Island- Singular appearance-Scanty Flora-Transport of seeds -Birds and insects-Ebbing and flowing springs-Coral formations resisting power of ocean-Fields of dead coral-Stones transported by roots of trees-Great crab-Stinging corals-Structure of lagoon islands -Encircling and Barrier reefs-General proofs of subsidence in the Pacific-Theory of lagoon islands caused by subsidence of the landPacific and Indian oceans divided into alternate areas of elevation and subsidence-Points of eruption lie within the areas of elevation. CORAL FORMATIONS. APRIL lsT.-We arrived in view of the Keeling or Cocos Islands, situated in the Indian ocean, and about six hundred miles distant from the coast of Sumatra. This is one of the lagoon islands of coral formation, similar to those we passed in the Dangerous Archipelago. An excellent idea of the general appearance of these extraordinary rings of land, which rise out of the depths of the ocean, may be obtained from the characteristic sketch of Whitsunday Island, in Beechey's Voyage. When the ship was in the channel at the entrance, Mr. Liesk, an English resident, came off in his boat. The history of the inhabitants of this place, in as few words as possible, is as follows. About nine years ago, a Mr. Hare, a very worthless character, brought from the East Indian archipelago a number of Malay slaves, which now, including children, amount to more than a hundred. Shortly afterwards, Captain Ross, who had before visited these islands in his merchant-ship, arrived from England, bringing with him his family and goods for settlement. Along with him came Mr. Liesk, who had been a mate in his vessel. The Malay slaves soon ran away from the islan~ on which Mr. Hare was settled, and joined Captain Ross's party. Mr. Hare upon this was ultimately obliged to leave these islands. |