148 THE SEA SHORE 



of a tint closely resembling that of the surrounding surface. Thus 

 the anemone is protected from its enemies by its peculiar habit 

 and colouring, while at the same time the spreading tentacles 

 constitute an unseen but deadly snare for the unwary victims that 

 come within their range. 



This species is often difficult to secure without injury on 

 account of its preference for narrow chinks in awkward situations, 

 but we have found that it is sometimes easily removed by first 

 clearing away the surrounding debris, and then gently pushing it 

 from its hold by means of the finger-nail. It seems, in fact, that 

 its base is occasionally quite free from the underlying rock, being 



FIG. .Carynactus viridis, DEVON AND CORNWALL 



simply imbedded in sand or mud. In other cases hammer and 

 chisel are necessary to remove it from its snug hole. 



If placed in the aquarium it should be allowed to get a foot- 

 hold in a suitable hole or crevice, which should be afterwards 

 partially filled with sand. It is not difficult to keep, and although 

 not a showy species, and having a decided preference for shady 

 places, yet its habits will be found interesting. 



The Orange-disked Anemone (Sagartia venusta) is represented 

 in fig. 2 of the same plate. It may be easily distinguished by its 

 brilliant orange-coloured disc, surrounded by white tentacles, 

 which, when fully expanded, commands a circle of from one to one 

 and a half inches. South-west Wales is said to be the head- 

 quarters of this pretty sea flower, but we have found it abundant 



