CHAP. xvi. THE DEAD-MAN'S PAPS. 329 



paps, sea-fingers, etc." (ALcyonium digit atum), he says, 

 "It is frequently brought ashore by the fishermen, 

 attached to shells and stones. It is curious to observe 

 the strange and fantastic forms which these creatures 

 at times assume. They are loathed by the generality 

 of people when found on the sands. But were they 

 to be seen in their proper element, with the beautiful 

 leaf-like tentacula of the little polyps, thousands 

 of which compose the living mass, these feelings of 

 loathing would give place to wonder and delight. 

 Touch one of those polyps, and it instantly contracts 

 and withdraws its tentacles, while the others continue 

 their movements. But touch them again and again, 

 and they will shrink and hide themselves in their 

 fleshy home, which becomes greatly reduced in bulk. 

 Wait a little, and you will observe the pap assume 

 its natural size, and the surface will appear roughish 

 and covered with small protuberances. From these 

 asperities the numerous polyps may now be noticed, 

 slowly, and almost imperceptibly, emerging one by 

 one ; and having gained a sufficient height, their 

 slender and fragile arms, or tentacula, will also be 

 observed cautiously expanding, which, when nearly 

 fully developed, gives to the whole mass the en- 

 chanting appearance of a bouquet of flowers of the 

 richest dye, or of a gaudy-coloured wreath of beauti- 

 ful and delicate blossoms, combined in bne cluster, 

 enough to excite wonder and admiration even in 

 the dullest mind." 



