136 HALF AN HOUR WITH SEA-ANEMONES. 



readily. It was this species to which Mr. Couch 

 referred, when he related the anecdote of a bee 

 mistaking it for a flower. 



The limits of inexorable space oblige us to con- 

 clude our introduction to the sea-anemones with a 

 reference to a peculiar and distinct variety of the 

 " Opelet," commonly known as the " Strawberry 

 Anemone.'' For size, it may sometimes compete with 

 the " Dahlia." It is not so common, however, as 

 the latter, although when it is met with it is 

 generally in abundance.' It occurs nearer to low 



Fig. 70. 



" Strawberry " anemone. 



water mark than the normal form of " Opelet," and 

 the collector will find it readily yield when he 

 endeavours to detach its base from the rocks or 

 stones. The " Strawberry Anemone " is the most 

 easily kept of all, and is a great ornament to the 

 aquarium, creeping about the side of the tank, and 

 expanding its base into an irregularly elliptical 

 form, as seen in Fig. 70. When thus expanded, it 

 has been seen to attain a length of five inches. 

 Many others of our native species we are obliged 

 to pass over, but those who feel disposed to enter 



