THE GEM riMPLET. 
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in extent, though none are to be seen beyond this. In 
the button-state, the radiating bands of white on the red- 
dish-grey ground, with the globular form, give a primd 
facie resemblance to an Echinus, denuded of its spines, 
which is very striking. In their native pools the specimens 
are often partially enveloped in gravel, from which, if 
closed, their six-fold star appears prettily conspicuous ; 
while if expanded, the brilliant pencilled disk, and white- 
spotted tentacles, are even more attractive. 
The Gem is detached with ease, and becomes reconciled 
to captivity without difficulty, wdiere it preserves its cha- 
racteristic habit of stationing itself on some exposed spot, 
whence it is little given to wander. 
It is prolific, bringing forth living and well-formed young, 
which are produced one, two, or three in twenty-four hours, 
and not scores or hundreds in a night, as are those of S. 
hellis. The Gem, however, will often continue to breed at 
this rate for weeks. The new-born young immediately 
attach themselves, and display the characteristic colour and 
markings : they have twelve tentacles ; that is to say, the 
primary and secondary series are developed before birth. 
In this condition they greedily devour food -when presented. 
Miss Loddiges, of Hackney, who has been very successful 
in breeding ’and preserving this, as well as other species of 
Anemones, has favoured me with some particulars of her 
treatment, which may be useful to others. Speaking of 
the young, this lady observes : — “ I feed them from their 
first appearance, — rather a delicate operation, — and they 
steadily grow, though rather slowly Oyster seems 
the best food for them, but I give them lobster, and even 
meat. ... I am satisfied sea-weed is not necessary in the 
tank : I have discarded it for some time, and only admit 
one small piece of red for an ornament. I syringe the 
water daily.” 
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