25G MARINE ZOOLOGY OF ARRAN. 



marked with rings. The other species, A. crassicornis, 

 although commonly found attached to shells or stones in 

 deep water, may often be obtained in rock crevices, at low- 

 water during the spring tides, or even in the large pools. It 

 may be prociired at Corriegills, or among the rocks at the 

 south-east side of Holy Island. It resembles A. coriacea in 

 shape ; but it is a finer species ; it grows to a larger size, it 

 is less coriaceous, and more vivid in its colours. It is a 

 handsome object for the aqua-vivarium, where, after a short 

 period, it will be observed that the body becomes filled with 

 water, so as to be greatly enlarged and diaphanous, or almost 

 transparent ; the tentacula, at the same time, are elongated, 

 increase their diameter, and exhibit their tubular form. 

 This diaphanous appearance is perhaps the most striking 

 character by which it is distinguished from A. ccn'iacea. It 

 will add considerably to the interest of the vivarium pro- 

 vided the tank can afford accommodation if three or four 

 individuals of this fine species are placed artistically among 

 the rock-work ; for, by a careful selection, specimens may be 

 introduced of variegated hues, some of cream colour, some of 

 scarlet, some of saffron, with orange stripes, or marbled with 

 red and white. There are, indeed, certain people who enter- 

 tain other ideas as to the proper destination of Actinia 

 crassicornis. "For, of all kinds of sea anemones," says 

 Dicquemare,* " I would prefer this for the table ; being 

 boiled some time in sea water, they acquire a firm and palat- 

 able consistence, and may then be eaten with any kind of 

 sauce. They are of an inviting appearance, of a light 

 shivering texture, and of a soft white and reddish hue. 

 Their smell is not unlike that of a warm crab or lobster." 

 But whatever importance the epicure may attach to the above 

 information, the sea-side visitor will do well to watch the 

 manoeuvres by which the anemones are themselves enabled to 

 gratify their tastes by a variety of dishes. It is most amus- 

 ing to observe the apparent cleverness the agility and 

 * Johnston's British Zoophytes, vol. i. p. 227. 



