POLYPI. CARNOSI. 403 



them; we have seen the stones in Swanage Bay 

 almost covered with them at low- water, and among 

 them a very beautiful species, (Actinia* Gemmacea,) 

 of an oval shape, about two inches in diameter, of a 

 fine purple or crimson hue, studded with bright green 

 dots. 



Some of these animal-flowers are eaten ; Dicque- 

 mare says of A. Gemmacea , " Of all the kinds of 

 Sea Anemones, I would prefer this for the table : 

 being boiled some time in sea-water, they acquire a 

 firm and palatable consistence, and may then be 

 eaten with any kind of sauce. They are of an 

 inviting appearance, of a light, shivering texture, 

 and of a soft white and reddish hue. Their smell is 

 not unlike that of a warm crab or lobster, "f 



* 'Axriv, akiin, a ray of the sun. 

 t Phil. Trans, abr. xiii. 637. 



