THE ZOOPHYTES. 153 



Laomedia gdatinosa. Has much resemblance to the other two 

 species, but is generally smaller and more diffuse in its 

 mode of growth ; found on shells and the stems of the 

 larger sea-weeds ; likewise on sticks that have laid long 

 in the water. 



Campanularia volubilis (Small Climbing Coralline). A small 

 but interesting species, frequently growing on other coral- 

 lines, unoccupied crab and other shells. We have found 

 the shell of the Masked Crab (Corystes Cassivelaunus} 

 completely coated with this species. 



Campanularia vertidllata (Horse-tail Coralline). Occasion- 

 ally thrown ashore, growing on shells ; likewise on the 

 Tubularia indivisa. 



Alcyonium digitatum (Dead Man's Hands, or Toes; Cow's 

 Paps). Abundant on these shores at most seasons, grow- 

 ing in all kinds of strange and grotesque forms (rarely 

 two specimens alike) on shells, stones, etc. The usual tint 

 is a full cream colour, at times with a faint rosy hue. 

 The general aspect is retained when dried, only somewhat 

 shrunken. To obtain the polypes alive it is necessary to 

 procure it from deep water, where it is found incrusting 

 or attached to stones and shells ; we have not been able 

 to keep it alive beyond a few days. 



Actinia Mesembryanthemum. From the nature of our shore 

 it would seem a very unlikely locality for any kind of 

 actinia, yet several species are occasionally to be found 

 in great plenty, and among them this one is frequently 

 numerous. It is usually found in little pools left by the 

 receding tide, where the sand but slightly covers either 

 clay or peaty soil ; we have kept it alive for a con- 



