176 THE SEA-SIDE AND AQUAEIUM. 



or rest themselves if they feel disposed. At the base 

 of this stone are several flat pieces of rock, on which 

 some Daisy-anemones are flowering, with the large 

 Pholas, in his chair of state, poised in the centre. 

 Behind the high rock is a mass of sea-grass and green 

 ulva for my pretty pack of Blennies to hide in or 

 shelter themselves at will. Two Soldier-crabs peram- 

 bulate here, there, and everywhere, as do several 

 Winkles and Limpets. A fine Trochus, a pearly- white 

 Doris, and a purple-coated Eolis ofttimes affix them- 

 selves to the centre rock, and add to its picturesque- 

 ness and beauty; while several minute Star-fish "drag 

 their slow length along " over the sides of the tank. 

 Some Serpula, one Crassicornis, and one Mesembryan- 

 themum complete my stock, which, I am proud to say, 

 are all in a healthy condition. The water is clear as 

 crystal; and I feel satisfied in my own mind that, 

 although so many little creatures are in .captivity, 

 they are as comfortable and happy in this mimic 

 pool as in their native haunts by the sea-shore. 



