SEA- ANEMONES. 79 



on the rocks^ aud which they have heard called a " Sea- 

 flower/^ Probably it is the commonest of common species, 

 which has been named Mesevihri/antliemum, from its resem- 

 blance to the many-petalled flower of that name. It is w^ell 

 for the early Aquarian, if, when he fixst takes the living 

 flower from the rock, he is unacquainted with its nature ; 

 but seeing only a round leathery hemisphere fixed on a 

 stone, and puckered in at the centre, he has just conjec- 

 tured that it might be a L'ving animal. In that case his 

 dehght and wonder will be great when his captive, little by 

 little, expands before him, and exhibits one after another of 

 its curious characteristics. Every alteration in shape, atti- 

 tude, and dimensions, will excite astonishment, and create a 

 desire to know more of this surprising creature. 



A first view of the common Actinia in its contracted state 

 is not particularly inviting. It is generally of a dull liver- 

 colour, or fading green, and presents nothing to the eye 

 but a raised half-circular mass, with a puckered hole in the 

 centre. This is the outer covering of the polypus. It is of 

 a leathery substance, and capable of contraction and expan- 

 sion at will. Presently this mass will be seen gradually to 

 rise a little, and the puckered folds at the central hole to 

 smooth out. The next things to be seen, when the hole is 



