ACTINIA. 215 



that the whole surface at first consists of darker red, entirely sprinkled 

 over with green specks. But, except in that solitary instance lately 

 quoted, all the purple is of late origin, that is, appearing after the lapse of 

 several months. Some of the smallest of tbe young are absolutely white 

 when produced ; others are quite florid, and these are commonly of larger 

 size. 



Thus, the real maturity of the young cannot be estimated by the 

 lapse of time, nor otherwise than by its aspect at the moment of its birth ; 

 — a very remarkable fact in physiology, and one which may lead to new 

 theories of evolution and increment. 



Certainly the parent enjoys the faculty of introducing the embryo 

 into the tentacula, for it is not bred there originally. Neither is its trans- 

 ference thither for the purpose of attaining maturity : for although some 

 be seen within them of large size, this is no certain prelude to production. 

 Those, even the largest, are sometimes withdrawn to protracted conceal- 

 ment. The birth of a large foetus, visible in the tentaculum, may be pre- 

 ceded by that of a small one, then or previously unnoticed. On the 

 4th of May, a tentaculum was distended by the presence of a very large 

 foetus, obviously stretching its arms, and spreading the base. It was with- 

 drawn entirely on the 7th. A very minute pale young Actinia, with 

 eight prominences, denoting incipient tentacula, was produced on the 

 14th. In nine days, another of florid colour and large size, with twenty- 

 four long and slender tentacula, followed it. 



Parturition among the higher and more perfect animals, seems the 

 necessary and irresistible consequence of maturity. From dissolution of 

 that connection between the foetus and the parent, which has been essen- 

 tial to the preservation of life and the progress of increment, birth ensues 

 by expulsion, as the simple operation of Nature. It can be neither ac- 

 celerated nor retarded by the parent, — hence so many animated beings 

 have a wonderful anticipation of the approaching event, inducing them 

 to prepare for that which tends to conservation of the world. Obscure ex- 

 ceptions to the general law may perhaps occur ; but they are inexplicable. 

 A certain power or influence seems to be exercised by the Actinia over 

 the production of its young, which may be compared to parturition, if that 



