A SEA FAN AND A SEA PARABLE. 127 



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 doc- 

 tor turned to her with a pleasant interest, and, 

 interpreting his wish in the smile he gave, she 

 repeated the following 



* Henry A. Ward, in Catalogue of Corals, Gorgons, etc. 



