ACTINIAD.E : ACTINIA. 225 



ut it can occasionally be seen that they are arranged in distinct 

 'ows ; rim of the oral disc thick, even, and prettily crenated with 

 mall glands ; the disc itself smooth, lineated, blotched with red and 

 live, or sometimes entirely olivaceous; the lips of the mouth turgid; 

 entacula very numerous, subequal, conical, obtuse ; when fully ex- 

 ended about one- third of the diameter of the disc in length, smooth, 

 irettily marked with red and olive rings, and often with white 

 Notches on one side near their roots. " The base of each tentaculum 

 s embraced by two red, and the inner row also by two white lines, 

 vhich converge on either side and cross the oral disc on the one 

 tand, and pass between the bases of the tentacula on the other." 

 ?. Q- Couch. These organs are in four irregular circles, those of the 

 nnermost series being few in number, distantly placed, rather larger 

 han the others, and held either erect or bent inwards to the mouth 

 vhen the creature is at ease and in full blow. 



Actinia coriacea is somewhat gregarious. It buries itself in sand 

 ind in crevices of rocks between tide-marks, concealing itself with a 

 :oating of gravel, which is retained by the aid of the glandular warts. 

 ! have sometimes found that specimens, when newly removed from 

 ;heir sites and cleansed, were apparently smooth, but on being kept 

 n pure sea-water, the glands became afterwards visible and as large 

 is usual.* The animal has not the capacity of dilating the body 

 ;o a bladdery and subdiaphanous extent. When contracted, it 

 nust be sought for to be seen, but, in a state of expansion, the floral 

 jeauty of its tentaculated disc makes it sufficiently conspicuous and 

 ittractive. " On one occasion," says Mr. Couch, " while watching a 

 pecimen that was covered merely by a rim of water, a bee, wander- 

 ng near, darted through the water to the mouth of the animal, 

 svidently mistaking the creature for a flower, and though it struggled 

 i great deal to get free, was retained till it was drowned, and was 

 ;hen swallowed." 



Mr. Cocks is certain that the Actinia monile is the young of this 

 species ; and I am inclined to believe that Act. troglodytes is also its 

 foung in a more advanced stage. But as I cannot adduce sufficient 

 sroof of this belief, it seems better to describe the three as distinct 

 intil more positive information is obtained ; and it will be remarked 

 :hat they are well defined by their specific characters. 



* " I have frequently found the skin perfectly smooth, not the slightest indication 

 )f tubercles or ducts, until the creature was irritated to complete contraction." 

 W. P. Corks. 



