SPONGES. 93 



Halichondria oculata. — Plate XXV. 



This specimen was brought to me in November 1832. It is six 

 inches high, and spreading about six and a half inches. The utmost 

 spreading of the root does not exceed an inch in diameter ; and about an 

 inch above it, the stem diverges into two boughs, the one larger than 

 the other ; each spreading into numerous parts, by successive subdivisions, 

 and frequently terminating by a fork at the extremity. 



The whole is of an umber colour, which, on drying, becomes of a 

 dingy white. 



This sponge is not very rare in the Firth of Forth. 



Plate XXV. 



Halichondria oculata. 



Plate XXVI. 



Cliona celata. 



