ACTINIA. 237 
are covered with water, and even then the passing of a dark 
cloud over the sun will cause them to fold up their out- 
spread feelers. And yet, though in substance they seem to be 
as soft and tender as a little mass of jelly, they are not only 
very tenacious of life, but very capable of conquering and 
destroying many of their marine neighbours that would be 
thought more powerful than they. Sir J. G. Dalyell states, 
“This is a powerful, fearless, and voracious animal. Having 
chosen a spot for firm adhesion, it spreads abroad its nu- 
merous tentacula to the utmost stretch in quest of prey. 
Nothing can escape their deadly touch. Every animated 
being that comes in slightest contact, is instantly caught, 
retained, and mercilessly devoured. Neither strength nor 
size, nor the resistance of the victim, can daunt the ra- 
venous captor. It will readily grasp an animal which, if 
endowed with similar strength, advantage, and resolution, 
could certainly rend its body asunder. It will endeavour 
to gorge itself with thrice the quantity of food that its most 
eapacious stomach is capable of receiving. Nothing is 
refused, provided it be of animal substance. It is in the 
highest degree carnivorous. Thence do all the varieties of 
the smaller finny tribes, the fiercest of the crustacea, the 
whole vermicular race, leeches, and the softer tenants among 
