UG AP Ro Vv: 
ORDER ACTINOIDEA. 
19. THE minute zoophytes, hitherto considered, constitute, along 
with corallines, the mosses of the coral landscape; while the Acti- 
noidea are the larger plants and shrubs. Among the species of this 
group, the solitary Actinias, from their size, form, and frequently bril- 
lant colouring, may be called the Asters, Carnations, and Ane- 
monies,* of the sub-marine garden. The Tubipores and Alcyonia 
form literally its pmk-beds. Here and there the scene is decorated 
with clusters of tinted twigs or rushes, sometimes, fancifully shaped 
into fans and coral network; these are the Meliteas and Gorgonie. 
The Madrepores are crowded around in turfy clumps and miniature 
trees in bloom, or imitate spreading leaves and gracefully-shaped 
vases filled with flowers; while Astreas build up, among the shrub- 
bery, large domes, embellished with green and purple blossoms stud- 
ding the surface like gems. 
Words, however extravagant they may appear, convey no exagge- 
rated impression ; for Fancy’s work could not be more strangely beau- 
tiful. While wondering at the grandeur of the results proceeding from 
means so small, the ocean-island reared by coral polyps, we are also 
led to contemplate and adore the wisdom and goodness of Him who 
createth, in mingling such beauty in all his works. 
Among the animals which produce these varied results, we find 
a great uniformity of structure, as already exhibited in the few gene- 
ral remarks on the Actinoidea (j 3). ‘The common Actinia is a type 
of a large class of them, and we may commence our observations on 
the Actinoid polyps by a concise account of the structure and habits 
of these animals. ‘This will lead the way to a description of some 
* Sea-anemone is the common name applied to the Actinia. 
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