2o4 MARINE ZOOLOGY OF ARRAN. 



ing a colony of helpless zoophytes, and, as often happens 

 under analogous circumstances, they are quarrelling among 

 themselves. Look, first, at these two warlike specimens of 

 their race engaged in combat each endeavouring to get at 

 the prey. They do not appear to use their eyes, although 

 these organs are well developed ; but, feeling about on all 

 sides with their antennae, they no sooner touch each other 

 than the strongest of the two rushes forward, assaults, and 

 beats back the weaker, which, after being foiled in repeated 

 attempts to hold his position and obtain a share of the spoil, 

 retires to another portion of the invaded colony. Now 

 observe their thieving propensities. Here is a group of sea 

 anemones, just below the surface of the pool, curiously fixed 

 with their base in a chink of the sandstone rock, whilst their 

 upper or anterior parts, fringed with tentacula, are exposed, 

 like the sunflower when its petals are expanded, to the 

 cheering rays of light. These are at present undisturbed. 

 Here is another group; and of these several have made prize 

 of some food, brought within their reach by the graceful 

 vibrations of their tentacula. The crustaceans whether 

 they scented the dainty morsels or not, we cannot determine 

 have hurried to the spot in order to appropriate as plunder 

 what has been legitimately obtained by others. Each prawn 

 is helping himself, drawing the coveted bits from the grasp 

 of the helpless and disappointed zoophytes : and see how he 

 scampers off with both hands full to a place of retreat But 

 look once more. You observe an anemone in the act of 

 swallowing a piece of decayed shell-fish his mouth opens 

 wider and wider and now the morsel has disappeared. 

 Here is a prawn just arrived almost too late he feels with 

 his finger and thumb about the lips of the closed mouth 

 there is apparently nothing for him ; yet he seems to know 

 what he is about and true enough ; for see how artistic- 

 ally, how professionally he introduces his hand into the 

 mouth of the anemone ! He will not be defeated. Nor has 

 he any compunction. He thrusts his hand down, and down, 



