THE GEM PIMPLET. 193 



in extent, though none are to be seen beyond this. In 

 the button-state, the radiating bands of white on the red- 

 dish-grey ground, with the globular form, give a prima 

 facie resemblance to an Echinus, denuded of its spines, 

 which is very striking. In their native pools the specimens 

 are often partially enveloped in gravel, from which, if 

 closed, their six-fold star appears prettily conspicuous; 

 while if expanded, the brilliant pencilled disk, and white- 

 spotted tentacles, are even more attractive. 



The Gem is detached with ease, and becomes reconciled 

 to captivity without difficulty, where it preserves its cha- 

 racteristic habit of stationing itself on some exposed spot, 

 whence it is little given to wander. 



It is prolific, bringing forth living and well-formed young, 

 which are produced one, two, or three in twenty-four hours, 

 and not scores or hundreds in a night, as are those of S. 

 bellis. The Gem, however, will often continue to breed at 

 this rate for weeks. The new-born young immediately 

 attach themselves, and display the characteristic colour and 

 markings : they have twelve tentacles ; that is to say, the 

 primary and secondary series are developed before birth. 

 In this condition they greedily devour food when presented. 



Miss Loddiges, of Hackney, who has been very successful 

 in breeding and preserving this, as well as other species of 

 Anemones, has favoured me with some particulars of her 

 treatment, which may be useful to others. Speaking of 

 the young, this lady observes : — " I feed them from their 

 first appearance, — rather a delicate operation, — and they 



steadily grow, though rather slowly Oyster seems 



the best food for them, but I give them lobster, and even 

 meat. ... I am satisfied sea-weed is not necessary in the 

 tank : I have discarded it for some time, and only admit 

 one small piece of red for an ornament. I syringe the 

 water daily." 



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