HABITS OF THE ACTINIA. 153 



these patriarchal specimens were in full vigour, and 

 likely to survive for years longer, at the time when 

 Sir John recorded their longevity. 



The Actinia is endowed with a very slow locomotive 

 faculty ; hut this is rarely exercised, and then accom- 

 plished only by extending one edge of the base im- 

 perceptibly over the adjacent surface, and withdraw- 

 ing the other ; thus is a most languid and tardy kind 

 of progression effected. But a specimen adhering to 

 the open surface of the rocks will remain a long time 

 stationary, only showing itself when incited to swell 

 by the flowing tide, and again closing up as the sea 

 recedes. Nevertheless, under certain circumstances, 

 these creatures can detach themselves entirely from 

 their station, and are then floated away to a new, and, 

 perhaps, distant locality. 



An Actinia in the possession of the late lamented 

 Professor E. Forbes walked up the sides of a glass, by 

 alternately adhering with its disc and base, in the 

 leech fashion : he likewise observed that a Mediter- 

 ranean species which is habitually free, swims by con- 

 tractions in the manner of a Medusa although, when 

 confined in a glass, it attaches itself by its base just 

 like a shore- Actinia. 



Helpless as it generally seems to be, the Sea- 

 Anemone is a powerful, fearless, and voracious crea- 

 ture. Having chosen a spot for firm adhesion, it 

 spreads abroad its numerous tentacula to the utmost 

 stretch in quest of prey. Nothing can escape their 

 deadly touch. Every animated thing that comes in 

 contact with them is instantly caught, retained, and 

 mercilessly devoured. Neither strength nor size, nor 



H 5 



