OR, GLIMPSES BENEATH THE WATERS. 



confined to the position in which the egg from which 

 it was hatched was placed by the instinct of the 

 parent, or the caprice of the waves. The other objects 

 in Plate VI. will be described in another place. 



In Plate VII. we have two remarkable species ; 

 the one with drooping tentacles of dull brick-red, 

 being a yery curious variety. The species below is 

 Actinia clavata^ one of the most delicately-beautiful 

 species, which, from its brilliant whiteness, at once 

 attracts the attention. 



In Plate VIII. are two varieties, previously 

 described, of Actinia diantlius^ the plumose or 

 feather-like Anemone. In front, below them, is the 

 representation of one of the most splendid of all the 

 species, having received the specific name Gemma- 

 cea^ from the gem-like appearance produced by the 

 touches of colour — blue, buff, and brown — about the 

 orifice of the mouth or stomach, and about its 

 sharply -pointed tentacles. The stem or body is also 

 variegated with rows of brightly tinted tubercles, 

 and its whole surface is clouded with pale iridescent, 

 or rather nacreous, tones of pink and azure, varied 

 with occasional flashes of orange. All the species 

 are furnished with tubercles of a similar description 

 about the stem or body, but in many they are not 

 so conspicuous, and in others almost imperceptible ; 



55 



