THE WONDERS OF THE SHORE, 175 
would make man the measure of all things, and the 
centre of the universe! All the invaluable laws and 
methods of sanitary reform at best are but clumsy 
imitations of the unseen wonders which every ani- 
malcule and leaf have been working since the world’s 
foundation ; with this slight difference between them 
and us, that they fulfil their appointed task, and we 
do not. 
The sickly geranium which spreads its blanched 
leaves against the cellar panes, and peers up, as if 
imploringly, to the narrow slip of sunlight at the top 
of the narrow alley, had it a voice, could tell more 
truly than ever a doctor in the town, why little 
Bessy sickened of the scarlatina, and little Johnny 
of the hooping-cough, till the toddling wee things 
who used to pet and water it were carried off each 
and all of them one by one to the churchyard sleep, 
while the father and mother sat at home, trying to 
supply by gin that very vital energy which fresh air 
and pure water, and the balmy breath of woods and 
heaths, were made by God to give; and how the 
little geranium did its best, like a heaven-sent angel, 
