90 THE MARINE AQUARIUM. 
has seen specimens of Bunodes alba acquire complete 
forms in duplicate when the original specimen has been 
severed into two or more parts; and there are many 
other instances on record of this plant-like division of 
sea anemones having been observed. 
Though apparently immobile, there are few species but 
possess some power of locomotion. We frequently meet 
with anemones attached to stones, sand, or shells, by a 
wide sucking base, and if some species be moved from 
their chosen site, certain death is the result. Yet in by far 
the greater number there is a distinct faculty of progression 
—the anemone, by a slow, gliding motion, gradually re- 
moves itself, and climbs up the sides of the vessel, or 
takes possession of a tuft of weed, or shifts from one stone 
to another, or fairly leaves go of its anchorage, and floats 
hike a balloon upon the surface. Thus low in the scale 
as they are, they possess will, and a power of obeying it ; 
they have their organs of locomotion, of attack, and 
defence ; though naked, they are armed for combat on an 
equality with their enemies, and succomb at last to man— 
the universal destroyer and appropriator—who turns them 
to account as food, or treasures them as gems of beauty 
that gratify his eye, and even win over the affections of 
his heart, while they lead him to contemplate the variety 
and profuseness of that life to which the Almighty has 
given so many wondrous forms, and instincts, and eco- 
nomies, every one of which proclaims-—— 
“ The hand that made us is divine.” 
