ACTINIA. 197 



taneously affixed by the base to some solid substance, for temporary or 

 permanent security. It does' not seem to dwell naturally in a pendent 

 position. The summit or capital of the pillar dilating as a circle, wider 

 than the base, is environed by one or more rows of stout or slender ten- 

 tacula ; also in some species, instead of tentacula, simply in circular ar- 

 rangement, the capital forms several circumferential waving lobes, with 

 their margin -finely fringed by a number of delicate feelers. The mouth 

 is always in the centre of the disc or upper surface of the animal. 



All the parts are susceptible of extraordinary dilatation and contrac- 

 tion, dependent chiefly, if not entirely, on repletion with food, or disten- 

 sion by water. 



This is a powerful, fearless, and voracious creature. Having chosen 

 a spot for firm adhesion, it spreads abroad its numerous tentacula to the 

 utmost stretch in quest of prey. Nothing can escape their deadly touch. 

 Every animated being that comes in slightest contact, is instantly caught, 

 retained, and mercilessly devoured. Neither strength, nor size, nor the 

 resistance of the victim, can daunt the ravenous captor. It will readily 

 grasp an animal, which, if endowed with similar strength, advantage, and 

 resolution, could certainly rend its body asunder. It will endeavour to 

 gorge itself with thrice the quantity of food that its most capacious 

 stomach is capable of receiving. Nothing is refused, provided it be of 

 animal substance. It is in the highest degree carnivorous. Thence do all 

 the varieties of the smaller finny tribes, the fiercest of the Crustacea, the 

 whole vermicular race, leeches, and the softer tenants among the Testacea, 

 fall a prey to the Actinia. Though the flesh of the terrestrial animals jbe 

 greedily swallowed, this proves a less congenial aliment, for it is shortly 

 rejected. Not so with that of the others : it is retained longer, and, if 

 supplied sparingly, it is entirely absorbed into the system. A very copi- 

 ous quantity is ultimately rejected by the mouth, after an irregular inter- 

 val. Sometimes the residue of what lias been devoured in the sea, is thus 

 discharged eight or ten days after removal from it. When retained a con- 

 siderable time, the substance is always rejected as a spherical or ovoidal 

 mass, of gelatinous appearance externally, with the interior darker. That 

 portion jaf the food subject to digestion has been consumed. Specimens 



