25 
Let the aquariist be content at first with only a few healthy and 
hardy sea-anemones. None can be better than Actinia mesembry- 
anthemum, which may be found adhering to the blocks of chalk 
exposed at low water in the neighbourhood of Margate, Ramsgate, 
Broadstairs, Dover, and other parts of the coast of Kent. If 
these succeed, more of the same species may be added. They are 
of various colours ; crimson, olive-green, and brown, of many 
shades. Sometimes the ‘‘ strawberry ” variety may be found, of a 
dark red colour, studded with spots of green and yellow, and 
having, when closed, quite the appearance of the fruit whose name 
it bears. From the same localities may be obtained (but with 
greater difficulty) the ‘‘ cave-dwelling anemone,” Sagartia Troglo- 
dytes. This, too, is a hardy species, and, like A. mesembryanthe- 
mum comprises a number of distinct varieties, characterized by the 
colour of the disk, and the markings of the tentacles, which are 
mottled with a delicate pattern. From this peculiarity the species 
has a second familiar name, ‘‘ The snipe’s-feather anemone.” The 
habit of this species is to take up its quarters in the crevices of 
rocks, or in holes bored by pholas, or else to bury itself in sand, 
mud, or fine shingle, above which its tentacles are occasionally 
protruded. In collecting Troglodytes care must be taken not to 
injure the base, as, if that is done, the zoophyte will surely become 
diseased, and die, after being some time in the aquarium, although 
at first: it may show no sign of injury. If the coveted specimen is 
ensconced in rock or chalk, it is safer to chip off a solid piece con- 
taining the zoophyte and transfer the whole tothe tank. If buried 
in sand or mud it should be dug up with a garden trowel. When 
the tentacles are touched the  dnimal retreats out of sight in a 
moment, and will have to be looked for in the soil brought up by 
the trowel. It will be found contracted to a small size, and 
attached to a stone or piece of shell. I should have mentioned 
that A. mesembryanthemum may be detached from chalk by passing 
a bone paper-knife underneath the base, removing with it, if 
possible, a thin layer of the chalk so as not to disturb the anemone. 
Sometimes specimens may be detached without injury by gently 
forcing them off with the thumb-nail. 
The only other sea-anemone suitable for the aquarium 
occurring with any frequency on our Kentish Coast is the princely 
“« Actinoloba dianthus,” the plumose (or ‘‘ Carnation”’’) anemone. 
This must be dredged for in deep water, and may be sought on the 
shelly ground between Margate and Whitstable. It is found 
attached to loose stones or shells which are often covered with 
animal growths that are apt to die off, and decompose in the aqua- 
rium. They must therefore be carefully scrutinized before being 
placed in the tank, and watched afterwards. Some varieties of 
S. Troglodytes, may be obtained at Whitstable in addition to the 
places already mentioned, but 4. mesembryanthemum is never found 
