60 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. 



water was changed every few minutes. (In this connection, it 

 has been generally understood that exposure to air and sun for 

 even a few minutes was fatal to a sponge, and at first I was very 

 careful in this respect ; subsequently I found that several hours 

 of such exposure did not hurt them to any extent; stagnant water, 

 however, will kill them in a very short time). A cutting-board, 

 and knife, the latter very thin and re-sharpened often, owing to- 

 the calcareous matter imbedded in the sponge. Having reached 

 the locality which was at first selected by the natural sponge 

 growth already on it, the two kedges are let go at either end of 

 the long line, and by hauling along tliis line the planking could be 

 kept quite regular, and when finished were marked by range stakes 

 set up on the adjacent dry lianks. The depth of water ranged from 

 eight feet to less than one foot at low tide, at which latter depth 

 many fine sponges are found. By use of a water-glass, the plantlings 

 could be observed at any time without disturbing them. In cutting 

 the sponge it was done as nearly as possible in a line with the 

 radial circulating canals, and that each piece should have on it a 

 part of the outer cuticle. As many were not cut in this way, and 

 lived, it may not be at all necessary. Each piece was about one 

 inch square on top, and somewhat more in length, coming to a 

 point, averaging 25 to a sponge. In cutting, care was taken 

 not to express the natural juices or milk, and quickly attach- 

 ing to the sinkers, were immediately put into the water. The 

 poles held on an average 12 pieces, placed 12 inches apart; 

 and with one assistant I was able to plant about 200 

 cuttings per day. With a more suitable boat, having a well 

 to keep the Sponge in, and another assistant, I could easily 

 plant from 600 to 800. This work was continued, with in- 

 tervals, from November, 1889, until 11th June, 1891, with 

 various results, under all the conditions of bottom, depth, 

 current, etc. With but few exceptions, the sponge survived 

 the cutting process and began a good healthy growth, to be 

 afterwards lost or destroyed in various ways. In many cases, 

 notably one lot planted back of Elliott's Key, in 4 feet of 

 water, on hard bottom, 75 per cent, lived, and in 6 months 

 had doubled in size ; these were mostly taken up liefore 

 reaching maturity, as a gale would have swept them away, and 

 did so with those that wen; left. Mature specimens were gotten 

 from many of the other plantings, but the average loss from 

 defective fastenings and other causes were greater. The results 

 can be summed up as follows: — 



''^ Material for andioring cuttings. — While very many things 

 other than those used suggested theuiselves in the progress of the 

 work, I kept strictly within the limits of what was economical and 

 practicable; therefore poles and stone seemed best suited, prefer- 

 ably the former arranged so as to be elevated a short distance 



