AND THE ARTIFICIAL CULTURE OF SPONGES. 291 



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 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 attaching 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 intervals from November, 1889, until 

 June 11, 1891, with various results, under all the conditions of bottom, 

 doptli, 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 

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

 did so with those that were left. Mature specimens were gotten from 

 many of the other plantings, but the average loss from defective fasten- 

 ings and other causes was greater. The results can be summed up as 

 follows : 



Material for anchoring cuttings : While very many things other than 

 those used suggested themselves in the progress of the work, I kept 

 strictly within the limits of what was economic and practical, therefore 

 poles and stone seemed best suited, preferably the former arranged so as 

 to be elevated a short distance above the bottom to avoid smothering with 

 silt, and to avoid the coral, etc., which is apt to grow in with the 

 sponge. Fastenings of just the right character have yet to be invented. 



Location : Anywhere within the bays and lagoons free from heavy 

 sea, too strong current, and too much fresh water, and in moderate depths 

 for easy handling and observation. 



Growth : This is faster in strong currents, but shape is apt to be poor 

 and quality harsh. This point, however, is not fully determined. Under 

 favourable conditions the cuttings doubled their size in 6 months ; conse- 

 quently, 18 months to 2 years will produce marketable sponge. The 

 sheepswool was the only one of the useful kinds experimented on, 

 although a few cuttings of velvet, grass, and others, seemed to thrive and 

 do equally well. It is quite possible that with State protection to the 

 planters, and better methods to be determined upon by further experi- 

 ment, sponge culture might be ([uite profitable. My belief is, gained in 

 oyster culture from spawn, that a similar method with sponge will 



