144 LECTURE X. 



sufficient accuracy. The figures hitherto given, 

 such as that in Sloane's Jamaica, and some other 

 works, exhibit only a general similitude. It is often 

 confounded with a different species, resembling 

 it in some degree, but of a much longer or more 

 slender form, and of a greenish colour, with nu- 

 merous yellowish-brown tentacula, among which 

 are two or three central ones far exceeding the 

 rest in size and length ; of a wrinkled or annu- 

 lated appearance, and of the richest deep-blue co- 

 lour. The real structure or anatomy of these ve* 

 sicular Holothurise seem as yet but very imper- 

 fectly understood. They are observed to float oc- 

 casionally, during fine weather, on the surface of 

 a calm sea, and when taken, have the power of in- 

 flaming the skin to a considerable degree, if in- 

 cautiously handled. 



The beautiful genus Actinia, from its flower- 

 like appearance when expanded, called the Sea* 

 Anemone, is characterized by having an oblong 

 body, of an extensile and expansile nature, and 

 adhering by the base to rocks or other marine 

 substances. The mouth is situated in the centre 

 of the upper part or disc, and is surrounded by 

 very numerous, soft, extensile feelers or arms, 



