96 POPULAR HISTORY OF THE AQUARIUM. 



presents some variation from others of its class. Each in- 

 dividual varies in itself; assuming now one shape, then 

 another; now displaying one tint, then setting forth ano- 

 ther in a different part of his body. Each specimen shows 

 some slight pecuHarity by which he may be known from 

 others of the same variety. Each species has a range of 

 variation, reaching perhaps from pale green to dark purple. 

 Each genus presents distinct forms and characteristics in its 

 species; and' the genera differ from each other in striking 

 peculiarities. Clustered in crowded colonies on sea-rocks 

 and in pools on the beach; enriching the sands and peb- 

 bles with starry flowers, bright and variable, as rich and 

 varied in form and tinting as any terrestrial flowers that 

 can be produced for prizes on a gala day; there are the 

 Anemones. The more we know of them, the more we 

 shall admire their structure, economy, and transcendent 

 loveHness. 



"We will now pass in review a few of the most remark- 

 able and interesting species of true Anemones. 



They are divided by modern writers into three distinct 

 genera, namely, Sagartia, Bunodes, and Actinia. The 

 latter name is retained for the genus containing our com- 

 mon species; it being a rule in nomenclature, when it is 



