LOCOMOTION OF THE ANEMONE. 125 



deserving the name) ; their whole lives are spent rooted 

 to the rock or shell, as firndy as the plant is rooted in the 

 earth. Nay, even with regard to the Anemones, it is said 

 by Dr Landsborough, Dr Carjienter, and others, that they 

 will not move towards the water, should the vessel be 

 gradually emptied, or the water evaporate, not even if their 

 tentacles can reach its surface. This is incorrect ; but I 

 mention it as one of the difficulties which would meet the 

 student in the way of distinguishing the Anemone from 

 plants. It is one of the many inaccurate statements 

 grounded on imperfect observation, which are repeated in 

 hand-books. The original observer probably noticed an 

 Anemone some time out of the water, making no effort to 

 return ; had the observation been continued, the doubt 

 would have been solved. Some Anemones, especially the 

 Common Smooth species {MesemhryanthemuTn), are accus- 

 tomed daily to be left out of water by the receding tide, so 

 that in captivity they may be supposed rather to enjoy an 

 occasional air-bath. I have rej^eatedly seen mine crawl out 

 of the water and settle on the edge of the glass, or pan, high 

 and dry ; but they descended again after a few hours. The 

 locomotion of the Anemones is, however, various in various 

 species. I do not think the " Trogs " ever move ; nor do 

 the " Gems " seem migratory ; but the " Antheas " and the 

 " Smooths " are somewhat restless. " The Actiniae," says 

 E.ymer Jones, " possess the power of changing tlieir posi- 

 tion ; they often elongate their bodies, and, remaining fixed 

 by the base, stretch from side to side, as if seeking food at 

 a distance ; they can even change their place by gliding 



