As a rule it is more convenient and quite sufficient 

 to keep the skeleton alone, after cleaning and bleaching 

 it. The polyps will die soon after the coral is removed 

 from the water and the thin layer of flesh may be re- 

 moved by leaving it to the scouring action of the waves 

 on a shallow shore for a few days. Subsequent exposure 

 to the sunlight for a few days will bleach it, especially 

 if it is kept at alternate intervals in the seawater and 

 the sunlight. If it is not convenient to do this, the coral 

 may be placed in a solution of ordinary commercial 

 laundry bleach for twenty-four hours before washing 

 and drying in the sun. 



58 



