ACTINIA. 221 



Another specimen of shorter survivance, afforded a series of continu- 

 ous and satisfactory observations. 



This, in very fine condition, was taken at Blackness Castle also, where 

 some of these animals occur, affixed to stones of moderate size, therefore 

 proving more manageable. 



The tentacula were so numerous here, as to render it doubtful whe- 

 ther their disposal was in three or in four circular rows. The tubercles 

 rising above the proportion of hemispheres, resembled most narrowly a 

 circle of pearls set in some artificial ornament ; but they were smaller 

 comparatively than the wonted blue tubercles of the Actinia mesembryan- 

 themum. No circumferential ring surrounded the base ; yet the opposite 

 sides of the mouth were faintly tinged blue. — Plate XL VI. fig. 1. 



This specimen was very prolific, and chiefly in the earlier part of the 

 year ; all the young, with a single exception, being of a fine bright red 

 colour. But this, which was of monstrous configuration, originally vivid 

 as the others, became quite green subsequently, and continued so, thence 

 affording good grounds for rating the parent only as a variety. The mon- 

 strosity consisted in the union of two bodies by the middle. Each had its 

 peculiar organs in perfection, tentacula, mouth, and separate base. In 

 six weeks, while still red, the specimen was scarcely as large as represent- 

 ed, Plate XLVI. fig. G, its growth being slow. It had become pale-green 

 when five months old, fig. 7. The lower part had a very singular appear- 

 ance, its shape and the two bases being so different as they approached or 

 receded from each other ; also each was liable to be detached, whether from 

 the base casting the skin or otherwise ; and the bodies, besides separating 

 far asunder, threatened the rupture of the connecting flesh, fig. 8. Both 

 fed copiously, but neither did any speckling of the skin, nor any purple 

 tinge, distinguish them. Let me remark in passing, that I could never 

 distinguish any green speckling stain the skin of the red progeny of the 

 Actinia cerasum. 



This monster was produced in the year 1835. Its first descendant, 

 just when fourteen months old, was a small green Actinia, of its own 

 colour. All its subsequent progeny, sufficiently numerous, were green, 

 though sometimes very pale. On replenishing its vessel in July, a litter 



