ACTINIA. 195 



CHAPTER X. 



ACTINIA : 

 THE ANIMAL FLOWER. 



Plates XLV., XLVL, XLVIL, XLVIIL, XLIX.— Systematic 

 naturalists, in subdividing the order Zoophytes, have reserved a place for 

 reception of one large family denominated Helianthoids, thus named, I 

 presume, as expressive of form and beauty. 



Herein are specially comprehended two genera, the Actinia and the 

 Lucernaria. The former is well known as attracting equal notice and 

 admiration ; numbers have fallen into my possession ; and I can speak 

 freely of its nature. The latter is of rare occurrence ; — I have met with 

 too few specimens to enable me to say anything satisfactory on the sub- 

 ject. 



Many of the lower animals are void of all resemblance of those objects 

 familiar to the eye : they are unsightly misshapen masses, deficient of exter- 

 nal symmetry, of subordinate parts and regular proportions; scarcely exhibit- 

 ing symptoms of animation.- — They sink amidst the mud, they burrow in 

 the sand as an asylum : They seek for shelter in the cavities of shells, 

 they retreat under rocks or stones, or dwell habitually in the recesses of 

 the deep, as if withdrawing from the light of the upper regions, unable to 

 bear its impressions, or to conceal their deformity. It is otherwise with 

 the numerous tribe of Actinia. Some are distinguished by the beauty of 

 their form : some by symmetrical proportions, or by the radiance of their 

 colours. Rows of delicate organs, arranged in concentric circles, ornament 

 the surface ; or deep-waving lobes, bordered with luxuriant fringes, are 

 pendent from the margin. Many are green, or red, or yellow, or varie- 

 gated of diverse vivid hues, equalling the tints of the loveliest of the roses. 

 Hence has the Actinia been distinguished by simple but expressive names ; 



