224? HTSTOIIY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES. 



The C. Smithii is firmly attached to rocks. It is in- 

 versely conical, striated or finely grooved externally. It 

 sometimes fastens as a parasite on the stems of seaweeds, 

 and as they are short-lived, full-grown specimens are not 

 found on what is so perishable. It has been found an inch 

 in height, and as much in diameter, but in general it is of 

 much smaller dimensions. Dr. Coldstream, in Dr. John- 

 ston's ^ History of British Zoophytes,' gives a very interest- 

 ing account of observations made on this animal when he 

 was residing at Torquay. When expanded it is very like 

 an Actinia j when shrunk it is almost entirely hid amongst 

 the radiating plates. They are found pendent from rocks ; 

 the colours vary — he has seen the soft parts wliite, yellowish, 

 orange-brown, reddish, and of a fine apple-green. Profes- 

 sor E. Forbes states that the tentacula are in two rows, 

 tinged with orange. " In the dusk the animal gave out a 

 few dull flashes of phosphorescent light." 



III. ZOANTHINA. 



Character. Animal Actinia-form, gregarious, and compound, 

 arising from a common fleshy or coriaceous base, either root-like 

 and creeping, or crustaceous. 



