INTRODUCTION. 



Let me premise, by way of introduction, that the 

 ensuing pages lay no claim to the character of a 

 scientific treatise on the subject of Marine Zoolog}', 

 nor are they a monograph on the genus indicated by 

 the title-page. They are not, therefore, addressed to 

 professed naturalists, but to that section of amateur 

 ramblers about our English coasts who take a 

 pleasure in noticing every form of beauty which 

 they may encounter in their wanderings. And I 

 am desirous of saying a few plain words about sea- 

 anemones to such an audience for the following 

 reasons : — 



In the first place, the sea-anemones are objects 

 of exceeding beauty, both of form and colour ; they 

 have always been compared (and do not suffer by 

 the comparison) with the most gorgeous and delicate 

 flowers of our woods and gardens — with the frail 

 wind-crumpled anemone — the stately dahlia — and 

 the many-tinted chrysanthemum. Poets have sung 

 their praises, and strong-minded naturalists in 

 speaking of them have for the nonce risen above 



B 



