SEA-ANEMONES. 83 



atop of the whelk-shell alone enabled the Parasite to reach 

 and swallow the bait on the spiller hook. It should be added 

 that the base of the Anemone gradually absorbs that portion 

 of the whelk-shell to which it is attached, as may plainly be 

 seen on removing a large individual from the shell. 



It may be presumed that a large number of our readers not 

 only desire to be able to identify the natural objects they 

 encounter by the deep sea, but would like, also, to watch the 

 habits and conduct of some of them under more favourable 

 conditions for continuous observation than the constant ebbing 

 and flowing of the tides will allow on the shore. For their 

 benefit let us add a few words. 



Certain of the Anemones, which we have already indicated, 

 adapt themselves to the artificial life of an aquarium very 

 readily, and without any great exhibition of shyness. For this 

 purpose it is advisable to take medium-sized specimens, rather 

 than to look out for the largest example we can find, remem- 

 bering that the younger individuals in time become large ; but 

 what is of greater importance they are less likely to be injured 

 by removal. In many cases patient search will show us 

 examples of such species as the Beadlet attached to small 

 stones, and it is much better for our purpose to take these, 

 stone and all, than to disturb the attachment of others to the 

 rock. Others may be found on weeds, especially the broad 

 smooth fronds of the great oar-weed ; but some of the more 

 delicate in texture must be removed by chipping off with cold- 

 chisel and hammer a flake of the rock with Anemones 

 attached. 



Anemones are not great consumers of oxygen, and conse- 

 quently the water in the vessels to which they are consigned 

 does not readily become fouled, except as the result of feed- 

 ing. Do not give food more often than once in a fortnight or 

 ten days, but be sure then that it is suitable food, and in small 

 fragments only. Some people think the best thing to give to 

 such delicate creatures is a piece of raw steak. It is probably 



