Indeed, for my own part, I am strongly of opinion that there is sense existing in those bodies which have the nature2729 of neither animals nor vegetables, but a third which partakes of them both:—sea-nettles and sponges, I mean. The sea-nettle2730 wanders to and fro by night, and at night changes its locality. These creatures are by nature a sort of fleshy branch,2731 and are nurtured upon flesh. They have the power of producing an itching, smarting pain,2732 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 devour2733 it. At another time it will assume the appearance of being quite withered away, and let itself be tossed2734 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,2735 and the excrements2736 are discharged by a small canal situated above.