238 ZOOPHYTES. 



Plate XLIX. Actinia diantkus or plumosa. 



Plate XLVIII. Fig. 6. Young specimen of the same. 

 7. Monstrous specimen. 



The preceding detail does not comprehend an account of the whole 

 Actiniae that have fallen under my observation. Of this animal it may be 

 truly said, that none is better adapted for protracted study. The natural 

 vigour of most individuals, their promiscuous appetite, their tenacity of 

 life, together with its uncommon duration, unite them with those living 

 beings from which the physiologist may more readily advance his know- 

 ledge, than from almost any of the other animated works of the creation. 

 He has neither to contend with the obstacles opposed by minuteness or de- 

 licacy, nor is his progress liable to be obstructed by the rarity of subjects. 



It may be deduced from what has been so copiously said, along with 

 many examples which are not specified here, that, 



I. Considerable resemblance subsists between the nature of the 

 Actinia and the Hydra proper, as also with the Hydra tuba, or Strobila 

 of the sea. 



II. Its senses are extremely obtuse, and its instincts scarcely demon- 

 strated. 



III. It feeds voraciously on almost every animal substance, absorbing 

 smaller portions into its system, and rejecting the residue of larger por- 

 tions as a ball by the mouth. 



IV. It enjoys a vigorous reproductive faculty, whereby immoderate 

 wounds and lacerations heal, and lost parts are restored. 



V. It propagates by two distinct fashions, as seen in different species, 

 between which there is no obvious immediate analogy. 



(1.) By gemmules generated internally, which appear moving in the 

 tentacula, whither the parent can introduce or transfer them, and from 

 whence they can be withdrawn ; and when matured as young, they are 

 produced by the mouth. 



(2.) By solid fragments separating from the margin of the base, which 

 are shapeless at first, and are next developed into perfect animals. 



