398 RADIATA. 



degree, the faculty of stinging the hand that touches 

 them. Mr. Bennett, in his " Wanderings," says, 

 " I was desirous of trying its effects on myself, for 

 the purpose of ascertaining from personal experience 

 the constitutional irritative effects resulting from it. 

 On taking hold of the animal, it raised its tentacula 

 and stung me on the second and ring fingers; the 

 sensation was similar at first to that produced by 

 the nettle ; and, before a few minutes had elapsed, 

 a violent aching pain succeeded, affecting more se- 

 verely the joints of the fingers. On cold water being 

 applied, it was found rather to increase than diminish 

 the effects. In a quarter of an hour, the fore-arm 

 and elbow were severely affected, till at length it 

 became almost unbearable, and gradually extended 

 itself to the shoulder and chest, arid impeded the 

 breathing. These symptoms continued for about 

 half an hour, when they gradually abated ; but the 

 arm was benumbed for the remainder of the day." 

 It is probable that this formidable power is given 

 to them by Divine Wisdom, not only for defence, 

 but for benumbing the living animals on which they 

 feed ; for, helpless as these creatures seem, they are 

 able to seize Crustacea and other animals with their 

 tentacles, and drag them to their mouth, where they 

 are soon swallowed and dissolved. 



