152 



THE SEA SHORE 



these corals, but they are hardy creatures, and may be kept for a 

 considerable time in captivity. Their habits, too, are particularly 

 interesting, and two or more may sometimes be found with skeletons 

 attached, suggesting that branched arrangement so common in 

 many of the corals from warmer seas. 



Another of these stony corals (Balanopliyllia regia) is shown 

 on the same plate. It is much smaller than the last species, but 

 exceedingly pretty. It is also much less abundant, being confined 

 almost exclusively to the coast of North Devon, and is seldom seen 

 far above the lowest ebb of the tide. 



FIG. 101. Caryophyllia cyathus 



Our few brief descriptions of British anemones and corals have 

 been confined to those species which appear in our coloured plates, 

 but we have interspersed here and there between the text a few 

 illustrations which will assist in the identification of other species 

 and also help to show what a rich variety of form is exhibited by 

 these beautiful creatures. ,Sorne of these inhabit deep water only 

 and are consequently beyond the reach of most sea-side observers 

 during the ordinary course of their work ; yet they may often be 

 seen in fishing villages, especially in the south-west, where they 



