62 HOW TO CAPTURE ACTINIA. 



iiig to the eye of the beholder a most pleasing 

 effect. 



As a general rule, never attempt to capture an 

 anemone unless it be fully expanded, before com- 

 mencing operations. By this means you will be 

 able to form a pretty accurate estimate of its appear- 

 ance in the tanks. This condition of being seen 

 necessitates, of course, its being covered with water, 

 and, consequently, increases the difficulty of capturing 

 your prize, especially when the creature happens to 

 have taken up a position upon a combination of 

 stone and solid rock, or in a crevice, or in a muddy 

 pool, which when disturbed seems as if it would 

 never come clear again. 



It is, in consequence, advisable to search for those 

 situated in shallow water, the bottom of which is 

 covered with clean sand. When such a favourable 

 spot is found, take hammer and chisel and commence 

 operations. Several strokes may be given before any 

 alarm is caused to the anemone, provided it be not 

 actually touched. No sooner, however, does the 

 creature feel a palpable vibration, and suspect the 

 object of such disturbance, than, spurting up a stream 

 of water, it infolds its blossom, and shrinks to its 

 smallest possible compass. At same time apparently 

 tightens its hold of the rock, and is, indeed, often 

 enabled successfully to defy the utmost efforts to 

 dislodge it. 



After a little experience, the zoologist will be able 



