Latin Texts & Translations

Indeed, for my own part, I am strongly of opinion that there is sense existing in those bodies which have the nature ^[Note] of neither animals nor vegetables, but a third which partakes of them both:—sea-nettles and sponges, I mean. The sea-nettle ^[Note] wanders to and fro by night, and at night changes its locality. These creatures are by nature a sort of fleshy branch, ^[Note] and are nurtured upon flesh. They have the power of producing an

itching, smarting pain, ^[Note] just like that caused by the nettle found on land. For the purpose of seeking its prey, it contracts and stiffens itself to the utmost possible extent, and then, as a small fish swims past, it will suddenly spread out its branches, and so seize and devour ^[Note] it. At another time it will assume the appearance of being quite withered away, and let itself be tossed ^[Note] to and fro by the waves like a piece of sea-weed, until it happens to touch a fish. The moment it does so, the fish goes to rub itself against a rock, to get rid of the itching; immediately upon which, the nettle pounces upon it. By night also it is on the look-out for scallops and sea-urchins. When it perceives a hand approaching it, it instantly changes its colour, and contracts itself; when touched it produces a burning sensation, and if ever so short a time is afforded, makes its escape. Its mouth is situate, it is said, at the root or lower part, ^[Note] and the excrements ^[Note] are discharged by a small canal situated above.