ACTINIA. 237 



large specimen expanding completely five inches, with a vivid orange, 

 fluted mouth, could not have under a thousand tentacula : its luxuriant 

 aspect is indescribable. 



Corpuscula or gemmules tumbling over in their motions amidst a 

 fluid, are seen in the distended tentacula, as in other species, but I have 

 never seen either these or the young in their earlier stage. 



The adult seems to dwell in deep water ; but I have observed some 

 of smaller size, affixed like so many white nipples to the roof of rocky 

 cavities situated at about half tide, of which the larger expanded an inch 

 and a half when removed. 



Specimens of different colour, whether or not of the same kindred, 

 are occasionally associated together ; and one of large size is sometimes 

 surrounded by a number of Actinia 5 , as if its offspring. Of four specimens 

 obtained at the same time, one was pure white, the others of three differ- 

 ent shades of orange. 



On a different occasion, two fine, large, beautiful specimens, were 

 seated on the back of a living crab, almost entirely covering the surface ; 

 the smaller of the two is represented in Plate XLIX. Though the shell 

 extended seven inches, it was surprising to me how the crab could ex- 

 ist, or govern its motions, under so cumbrous a load. It died, indeed, 

 but possibly from some previous maltreatment consequent on its capture : 

 when no little contrivance was necessary to separate the Actinia for pre- 

 servation. 



These Actinee shift their position spontaneously, but no treatment 

 whatever can induce them to do so. A fine and ample specimen being 

 seated on a stone too large for reception in any of my glass vessels, I laid 

 it over the mouth of a wide jar, eight inches high, expecting that the ani- 

 mal would detach itself and drop down within. It extended gradually 

 indeed, stretching far, but at last the body, very strong in appearance, 

 ruptured asunder close to the base : to preserve it was impossible. 



A vast proportion of the body is vascular, and the skin is extremely 

 thin and dilatable. 



This species is less hardy than most of the tribe ; some specimens 

 have survived during several months. 



