G. SPONGIA. 179 



and very porous ; branches compressed, but dilating 

 towards the summit, and longitudinally channelled ; 

 texture fibrous, spongy, slightly incrusted, having nu- 

 merous and dispersed oscules. 



CURRY-COMB. 



127. Spongia strigUata. Stem short, and nearly 

 cylindrical, dividing into six or eight flat branches, fan- 

 shaped, and stuck with numerous and unequal risings, 

 which are slightly compressed, and appear disposed in 

 longitudinal ranges. 



NERVOUS. 



128. Spongia nervosa. Nearly fan-shaped, and 

 branching; branches divided, but partly coalescent, 

 flattening and dilating a little towards the summits, 

 where they are almost laciniated ; nerves longitudinal, 

 slender, and reticulated, more numerous on one sur- 

 face than the other. 



Indian Ocean. 



BRAMBLE. 



129. Spongia ntbispma. Branching; the fan-like 

 branches stuck with prickly tubercles resembling those 

 of the bramble, and covered with a leathery crust. 



FIR. 



130. Spongia ahietlna. Pillared, branching, and 

 expanded ; ramifications narrower, and more pliable, 

 covered with thorny appendages, which are terminated 

 by a horny filament. 



ELONGATED. 



131. Spongia elougata. Caudiform, and cylin- 



