A'CTINIA. 205 



it may adhere in such a manner as to render removal impossible. Such is 

 always the case with the Gemmacea, and usually with the Dianthus. On 

 finding a specimen regarding which the collector is doubtful, it may be 

 wrapped in moist sea-weed, a wet cloth, or wet paper, where it will be 

 quite safe for many hours ; and if wanting a sufficient vessel for its deposi- 

 tation, he may first use a small saucer, which can be afterwards lodged in 

 a larger vessel. 



The Actinia mesembryanihemum is a bold and hardy creature, feeding 

 voraciously, like the rest of its kind. A small quantity of water suffices 

 for it in case of necessity, wherein it may be kept uninjured for a long 

 period, in a vessel of very moderate capacity, but entirely covered by the 

 element, or frequently washed with it. Free of that timidity also, induc- 

 ing many of its kindred to contract on exposure to the light, new facili- 

 ties are gained for the convenience of investigating its nature. 



It is difficult to determine whether animals, especially those of prey, 

 are truly solitary, or whether they dwell in society. This Actinia is often 

 found single. Yet, from its prolific qualities, a numerous colony may be 

 soon reared around it. There is no difficulty either in feeding or pre- 

 serving it, from the variety of substances devoured, and the slight humi- 

 dity that may be enough. 



This Actinia must be deemed a long-lived animal. Naturalists, in- 

 deed, as if desirous of proportioning the existence of most animals to the 

 transience of their own observations, are too prone to abridge that to 

 which a longer period is allotted among the humbler orders. 



The specimen, Plate XLV., still surviving, cannot be much under 

 thirty years old. Another, which must have been of equal age with it 

 when taken, has lived thirteen or fourteen years in my possession. There- 

 fore, both being yet in great vigour, and likely to survive, the Actinia must 

 be judged a long-lived animal. 



Perpetuation. — The propagation of the race is not less remarkable 

 than that of many of the preceding tribes with which we have been en- 

 gaged in detail ; and, notwithstanding the vast disproportion of size, to- 

 gether with the discrepance of aspect and conformation, we shall find some 

 striking analogies with those which are minute. 



