204 ZOOPHYTES. 



The colour of this species might mislead the most experienced ob- 

 server : nor shall I speak too positively of the subject. It appears to me, 

 that, taking the widest latitude, it may possibly range, through the medium 

 of varieties, from liver-brown to fine and vivid vermilion ; that the for- 

 mer belongs to the ordinary and more common portion of the tribe ; that 

 the specimens so distinguished have purple tubercles, the base surrounded 

 by a purple ring, and that a purple line or patch from the disc penetrates 

 each of the opposite sides of the mouth. On the other hand, those charac- 

 terized by fine vermilion colour, have pure white tubercles, resembling a 

 row of pearls ; and are without any other distinctive marks. — Plate XLVI. 

 fig. 1. 



I feel disposed to conclude that the two may be ultimately deter- 

 mined one species, but until identified as such, it will be expedient to re- 

 serve a paragraph for the latter, which, besides, will extend our knowledge 

 of the genus, and perhaps encourage other naturalists to investigate the fact. 

 Therefore, what is said at present must be held as more peculiarly appli- 

 cable to the former. 



The skin of the adult is liver-brown ; but in earlier stages, the colour 

 is lighter, and the surface of the animal is sprinkled with fine, oval, green 

 specks, in longitudinal rows, which remain conspicuous for three or four 

 years at least. They are best seen after exuviation : for, when the animal 

 has cast its skin, the new surface is clearer : whereas they become alto- 

 gether obliterated with age. — Plate XL VII. fig. 1. 



The under surface of the base is always green. 



The natural and favourite position of this species is in horizontal fix- 

 ture, by application of the base to the side of a rock in its native state, 

 and to the side of the vessel which contains it in confinement. But it is 

 in so far different from any others, that while remaining in pertinacious 

 adhesion to the same spot, whence they cannot be dislodged, the Actinia 

 mesembryanthemum generally detaches itself, and drops down on pouring off 

 the water, which proves a great convenience to the observer. The suc- 

 cess of this expedient, however, is not invariable. 



Hence, he must avoid consigning any new specimen to a phial, or a 

 deep jar, wherein, falling to the bottom, it may prove inaccessible, or where 





