'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎232] (341/496)

the shells and remains of this numerous class of zoophytes; and
so abundantly and so universally are they distributed through
out the surface of the globe, that the mind of man is lost in wonder
and amazement, for it is far beyond the power of his imagina
tion to conceive the countless ages that must have passed away, and the
incalculable numbers of these insects that must have been required, ere
such vast deposits could have been formed. Even in this part of the
world, the sea for hundreds of miles is studded with innumerable coral
rocks, shoals, and islands, running in an almost unbroken and continuous
ridge, from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Latitude of 9° S., and extend
ing as far to the Eastward as the Archipelago of Lonisade: in fact the
greater part of the Pacific Ocean abounds with countless chains of
beautiful coral islets, rising like gems from the sea, covered with trees
and verdure, and containing a numerous population.
The coraline formations of Torres Straits, as far as we could observe,
have decidedly the same character and peculiarity as that which bounds
the Bed Sea. Here we have an extensive line of reefs, stretching far out
at sea, running parallel to the coast, the outer edges rising precipitously
from depths unknown, only broken here and there by narrow gaps and
openings; also an inner or shallow coast channel of considerable width:
and within this enclosed space are scattered detached shoals and islands,
but of safe navigation, containing many good anchorages, and free from
the turbulent swells of the ocean outside. Beyond this clear space is
another body of reefs fringing the line of coast, and running but a short
distance off. The outer, or seaward passage, like the centre channel oi
the Bed Sea, is wider, and also fathomless, rendering anchorage an im
possibility. No refuge whatever could, therefore, be had in stormy wea
ther outside this barrier: the only chance of shelter would be, to run foi
some opening in the reefs, and anchor within.
The natives navigating the Bed Sea invariably make use of the innm
route, as they have perfectly smooth Water, with land and sea breezes;
and they also take every possible advantage of the tides, which materi
ally aid them in their progress. At night they come to an anchor under
the lee of some bank, and wait until the tide serves the following morn
ing: thus, whilst vessels outside have been contending- against heavy g^ e, h
or have been becalmed, the boats inside have neither felt the inry 01
storm, nor lost the wind, but have been quietly and smoothly speedm 0
along with a gentle breeze towards their destined port. The same advan