BEHAVIOR OF SEA-ANEMONES. 2/9 



views of the Hertwigs, as expressed in the following words : 

 " Die Sinneszellen finden sich im Ektoderm der Mundscheibe 

 und der Tentakeln, wie uns schien, liberal 1 ziemlich gleichmassig 

 vor ; nur an der Spitze der Tentakeln mochten sie vielleicht in 

 grosserer Anzahl vorhanden sein " (op. cit., p. 22). 



Similar experiments were made on three other species of 

 anemones, namely, Sagartia Icncolcna, Sagartia Inche, and 

 Mctridiuin inarginatnin. These species are all more or less free, 

 and variable as to habitat. The first, S. leucolcna, is fairly com- 

 mon at various points along the shore-lines of the region of 

 Vineyard Sound and southward. Its usual habitat seems to be 

 under rocks near low tide, though taken also on the piles of 

 docks. It seems to seek the under sides of rocks, or settles 

 among masses of Molgula, sponges, etc., on piles, thus more or 

 less secluded, and seldom seen by the casual observer. 



On the other hand, v$. lucice seems to be equally at home almost 

 anywhere in shallower pools, on fucus, piles of docks, etc., some- 

 times in shaded places, but oftener in the open sunlight on rocks, 

 fucus, etc. About the same may be said of Metridium. While 

 more common from deeper water than either 'of the others, it is 

 yet quite common just below tide line on rocks, piles, etc. 



The experiments on these species were made under the en- 

 vironment of the aquarium, but were sufficiently varied to give 

 fairly satisfactory tests as to their reactions to this class of stimuli. 



From what has been said as to the habitat just given it might 

 be inferred that Sagartia leucolena would prove the more respon- 

 sive to the tests, and such was found to be the case without ex- 

 ception, though as in the former cases, with considerable individual 

 differences. 



Verrill long ago pointed out that this species was more active 

 when in dimly lighted aquaria, or at night. However, I have not 

 found that specimens in the general light of the laboratory 

 showed any very evident light reactions. But when an aquarium 

 was placed in direct sunlight there was an almost uniform attempt 

 on the part of specimens to escape from the direct rays. As a 

 rule this was done by slowly creeping over the edge of the stone 

 or shell into a less exposed position. Specimens which were in 

 glass jars, and attached to the sides or bottoms of the jars, when 



