XXV 



stance equal to this polypean production in the 

 property of imbibing water, without any diminution of 

 elasticity or alteration of its nature ? The sponges 

 we have in use, are found in the equinoctial seas of 

 both worlds, and in the warmest parts of the tem- 

 perate zones: they are an object of considerable 

 commerce; many of the Meditei-ranean isles have 

 no other product to export. 



In France, and throughout Europe, the Corallina 

 Officinalis is used as a powerful anthelminthic ; it 

 is known under the name of Coralline of Corsica, and 

 brought from the different ports of the Mediterranean ; 

 it is very abundant on the western coasts of France, 

 and also on the shores of England. Sir H. Davy has 

 remarked, that it has a fattening tendency, as well as 

 others of its family. 



The inhabitants of Iceland, celebrated for its frosts 

 and its volcanos, make use of a Flustra in the form of 

 snuff, to excite sneezing: either on account of its agree- 

 able smell, resembling violets, or as a preservative 

 against the scurvy, so dangerous in those regions. 



To conclude. In all ages and in all countries, men 

 have acknowledged the beauty of the Coral. War- 

 riors have always employed it in the decoration of 

 their arms, and women in their dress. The physicians 

 of the middle ages looked upon it as a universal 



Cor. D 



