the great coral structure, the largest coral reef in the world, which stretches from torres strait in the north, almost to brisbane, is one of the wonders of the empire. for a length of 1,2,00 miles this line of reefs runs at a distance from the mainland varying from ten to thirty miles. it forms a permanent danger to navigation in this region, but it also brings the advantage of an enclosed channel between the reef and the mainland, which is thoroughly understood by the pilots1 of the coast, and which ensures for the largest ships a quiet passage, generally free from the storms and swells of the pacific ocean. this chain of reefs consists of an immense number of small coral islands, many of which are submerged at high tide.
coral is the bony frame of the coral animal. this animal is generally called a polyp2, and is a tiny creature, very soft and jelly-like. it is oval in shape, and its mouth is surrounded by a fringe or circle of long, moving thread-like arms. there are many kinds of coral, some very coarse, others extremely fine, and there are also many different colours, such as red, pink, white, deep blue, and rich purple. the shapes of coral also vary. some of1 pilot: one appointed to steer vessels into or out of a harbour. 2 polyp: a small sea animal having many arms round its mouth.
the coarser kinds are found in round masses, some are shaped like a cup, and the more delicate varieties grow in exquisitely branching forms. the kind used by jewellers for making necklets, ear-rings, and other ornaments comes from the mediterranean and the red sea; the pink coral, which is the most highly valued, grows on the coast of italy.
the skull reef
the coral islands of the great barrier reef are full of tales of romance and adventure, quite as romantic as any told by robert louis stevenson or jules verne.
not many years ago a well-known north queensland grazier, who was owner of a fishing station in the albany pass, sent one of his boats to prospect for a profitable fishing ground on the east coast. the boat was driven by stress of weather to take shelter in one of those naturally protected coves that abound amongthe barrier reefs, and while it lay-to in the selected haven the flukes1 of a time-worn anchor were seen a short distance away at low ebb-tide. with the idea that the instrument might in some way prove useful, steps were taken to remove it. the surprise and pleasure that were felt when a mass of coin was laid bare just on the spot where the rusted anchor had lain, can well be imagined. further search led to the discovery of a larger mass of coin than could be transported by the fishing lugger2 in a single voyage, and several trips from somerset3 were taken before the little mine was exhausted. the specie4 proved on examination to be spanish, chiefly silver dollars bearing various dates of the early part of the last century. mingled with these were found a fair number of gold coins of the same period. the state of preservation of the dollars was remarkable. the greater portion of them had by pressure become soldered together, as it were, by their flat surfaces, after the manner of the familiar gelatine lozenges when allowed to get damp. solid silver masses of many pounds weight were thus, in many instances, produced, from which, however, the more superficial coins could in most cases be cleanly detached with a deft tap of chisel and hammer. the total value of the treasure thus recovered was several thousand pounds. the vessel carrying the specie probably came from spain, and was bound either for manila or for the spice-bearing islands of the malay archipelago, when it was driven by a storm1flukes: parts of an anchor which fasten into the ground.
2lugger: a small sailing vessel carrying lug sails, i.e., square sails hung obliquely to the mast.
3somerset: a small settlement near cape york.
4specie: coin as distinguished from paper money.
out of its course, and wrecked on the scene where the anchor and coin were found.
doubtless, many another treasure lies hidden among the coral mazes of the great barrier reef, and will never be recovered. there is one sunken treasure, however, of classic interest to all australians, of which knowledge is certain, though its position, in spite of repeated efforts, has never been fixed. the six guns which captain cook cast overboard from his ship "the endeavour," when driven aground on the great barrier reef, have never been recovered. perhaps they have long been buried beneath a thick mass of growing coral, and are thus lost beyond recall.
the following lines written by j. e. percival describe "thecoral grove " : -deep in the wave is a coral grove,where the purple mullet and gold-fish rove; where the sea-flower spreads its leaves of blue that never are wet with falling dew,but in bright and changeful beauty shine far down in the green and glassy brine. the floor is of sand, like the mountain drift,and the pearl-shells spangle the flinty snow;from coral rocks the sea plants lifttheir boughs where the tides and billows flow;the water is calm and still below,for the winds and waves are absent there, and the sands are bright as the stars that glowin the motionless fields of upper air.
there, with its waving blade of green,
the sea-flag streams through the silent water,and the crimson leaf of the dulse1 is seen to blush like a banner bathed in slaughter. there, with a light and easy motion,the fan-coral sweeps through the clear deep sea; and the yellow and scarlet tufts of oceanare bending like corn on the upland lea, and life, in rare and beautiful forms,is sporting amid those bowers of stone,and is safe when the wrathful spirit of storms has made the top of the wave his own.
and when the ship from his fury flies,
where the myriad voices of ocean roar,
when the wind-god frowns in the murky skies, and demons are waiting the wreck on shore, then, far below, in the peaceful seathe purple mullet and gold-fish rove,where the waters murmur tranquilly, through the bending twigs of the coral grove.
compiled by f. c. papi
1 dulse: a kind of eatable sea-weed.
