actiniadj: : actinia. 225 



but it can occasionally be seen that they are arranged in distinct 

 rows ; rim of the oral disc thick, even, and prettily crenated with 

 small glands ; the disc itself smooth, lineated, blotched with red and 

 olive, or sometimes entirely olivaceous; the lips of the mouth turgid; 

 tentacula very numerous, subequal, conical, obtuse ; when fully ex- 

 tended about one- third of the diameter of the disc in length, smooth, 

 prettily marked with red and olive rings, and often with white 

 blotches on one side near their roots. " The base of each tentaculum 

 is embraced by two red, and the inner row also by two white lines, 

 which conver2:e on either side and cross the oral disc on the one 

 hand, and pass between the bases of the tentacula on the other." 

 R. Q. Couch. These organs are in four irregular circles, those of the 

 innermost series being few in number, distantly placed, rather larger 

 than the others, and held either erect or bent inwards to the mouth 

 when the creature is at ease and in full blow. 



Actinia coriacea is somewhat gregarious. It buries itself in sand 

 and in crevices of rocks between tide-marks, concealing itself with a 

 coating of gravel, which is retained by the aid of the glandular warts. 

 I have sometimes found that specimens, when newly removed from 

 their sites and cleansed, were apparently smooth, but on being kept 

 in pure sea-water, the glands became afterwards visible and as large 

 as usual.* The animal has not the capacity of dilating the body 

 to a bladdery and subdiaphanous extent. When contracted, it 

 must be sought for to be seen, but, in a state of expansion, the floral 

 beauty of its tentaculated disc makes it sufficiently conspicuous and 

 attractive. " On one occasion," says Mr. Couch, " while watching a 

 specimen that was covered merely by a rim of water, a bee, wander- 

 ing near, darted through the water to the mouth of the animal, 

 evidently mistaking the creature for a flower, and though it struggled 

 a great deal to get free, was retained till it was drowned, and was 

 then swallowed." 



Mr. Cocks is certain that the Actinia monile is the young of this 

 species ; and I am inclined to believe that Act, troglodytes is also its 

 young in a more advanced stage. But as I cannot adduce sufficient 

 proof of this belief, it seems better to describe the three as distinct 

 until more positive information is obtained ; and it will be remarked 

 that they are well defined by their specific characters. 



* " I have frequently found the skin perfectly smooth, not the slightest indication 

 of tubercles or ducts, until the creature was irritated to complete contraction." — 

 W. P. Cocks. 



Q 



