. . .In its rough state it is brown in colour, of a fine texture, compact and firm.[81] Purified, it becomes flaxen and of a looser texture. The orifice of the great channels which traverse it are edged with rough and bristly hairs.

(From Dr. Grant.)

Fig. 11. Spongia oculata, showing the orifices and currents outwards. 2. Anastomosing horny substance of Spongia communis. 3. Siliceous spiculum of S. papillaris. 4. Of S. cineria. 5. S. panicea. 6. Calcareous spiculum of S. compressa. 7. Transverse section of a canal of S. papillaris, showing the structure of the ova passing along the canal. 8. Ovum of S. panicea seen laterally—the ciliæ anterior. 9. The same seen on the end, with a circle produced by the ciliary action. 10. Young Spongia papillaris.

The Brown Barbary Sponge, called the Marseillaise, when first taken out of the water, presents itself as an elongated flattened body, gelatinous, round in shape, and charged wit. . . Read More