A SEA FAN AND A SEA PARABLE. 197 
the doctor in a more serious vein. “ During 
their lives this dainty tracery was hidden, but 
now we can see the true beauty of the homes 
into which their lives were wrought. This 
calcareous substance secreted by these polypi 
is ‘partitioned into cells with mathematical 
regularity, and, studding the entire surface, 
produces a most beautiful effect. The spe- 
cific variety of these coral homes is almost 
endless, yet each species builds after its type. 
The lesson has been learned, and the crea- 
tures live up to it throughout endless genera- 
tions.’ ” * 
While Dr. McLean displayed the different 
varieties of coral which his cabinet contained, 
Miss Bremely said, “The quotation you have 
just given suggests to me a sea parable which 
I think contains a beautiful lesson.” The doe- 
tor turned to her with a pleasant interest, and, 
interpreting his wish in the smile he gave, she 
repeated the followmg 
* Henry A. Ward, in Catalogue of Corals, Gorgons, ete. 
