832 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. 



THE ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF SPONGES. 



The threatened depletion of portions of the Florida sponge-grounds by overflshing has 

 suggested the interesting problem as to whether sponges might not be propagated artificially, 

 with as much success as has been attained with respect to many species of edible fishes. In 

 the Adriatic Sea of Southern Europe, where the finest grades of sponges are obtained, successful 

 experiments in this direction were carried on from 1863 to 1872, and the conclusion was reached 

 that sponges could be profitably cultivated, though only after a considerable outlay in the begin- 

 ning. The results tended to prove that about seven jears were required for a small fragment or 

 cutting of sponge, measuring about 1 or 2 cubic inches, to attain a marketable size, and that, 

 therefore, during the first seven years of such an enterprise, there must be a continued expendi- 

 ture of money, with no returns. On the other hand, the Florida fishermen have contended that 

 the Florida sponges gfow much more rapidly and reach a fair size within a comparatively short 

 period. Recent experiments, made since this report was first written, have confirmed these sur- 

 mises of the fishermen, and have proved almost beyond question the practicability of sponge 

 culture on the Florida coast. 



SPONGE CULTURE IN FLORIDA. The first trials were made at Key West, by the agent of 

 Messrs. McKesson & Robbius, sponge dealers of New York, who have recently contributed to the 

 U. S. National Museum four specimens of the sheepswool variety showing the first i'ruit of this 

 important work. We have not been able to obtain a detailed report of these experiments, but 

 from a letter written at Key West, and kindly furnished by Messrs. McKesson & Robbins, the 

 following brief account has been prepared : 



The sponges were all raised from cuttings; the localities in which they were planted were 

 not the most favorable for sponge development, and their growth was, therefore, less rapid and 

 perfect than might otherwise have been the case. They were fastened to the bottom, in a depth of 

 about 2 feet of water, by means of wires or sticks running through them. The four specimens 

 sent to Washington were allowed to remain down a period of about six months before they were 

 removed. Fully four mouths elapsed before they recovered from the injury done them in the cutting, 

 which removes the outer " skin " along the edges of the section, and the actual growth exhibited 

 was for about two months only. The original height of each of the cuttings was about 2 inches. 

 One was planted in a cove or bight, where there was little or no current, and its increase in size 

 was very slight. The other specimens were placed in tide-ways, and have grown to from four to 

 six times their former bulk. Two hundred and sixteen specimens in all were planted at the same 

 date, and at the last accounts those that remained were doing finely. 



The chief obstacle to the artificial cultivation of sponges at Key West arises from the fact that 

 the sponge fishermen infest every part of the region where sponges are likely to grow, and there is 

 no legal protection for the would-be culturist against intruders. The enactment of judicious laws 

 bearing upon this subject by the State of Florida, or the granting of special privileges conferring 

 the right to occupy certain prescribed areas for sponge propagation, would undoubtedly tend to 

 increase the annual production of this important fishery. 



SPONGE CULTURE IN EUROPE. The experiments in the Adriatic Sea were carried on by Mr. 

 Buccich at the island of Lesina, on the coast of Dalmatia, and the results obtained were embodied 

 in a report by Dr. Ernil von Marenzeller, published in Vienna in 1878.* This report is so impor- 

 tant and contains so many valuable suggestions that might be utilized in connection with future 



* Die Aiifziicljt des Badeschwamrnes ana Theilaliickeu. 



