igii.] N. Annandale : Spojiges and Vcniie/id Molluscs. 55 



micro-organism, for tliey are produced by enormous numbers 

 of minute morula-like masses contained in the soft parts of the 

 sponge. 



Spongosoritcs topscnti, Dendy. 



(Plate viii, fig. i.) 



S. topsenti, Dendy in Herdman's Report on the Pearl Oyster 

 Fisheries of Ceylon, pt. iii, p. 182, pi. xii, fig. i. 

 Sponges of this species were found associated with Siliquaria 

 muricata oE the coast of Ganjam near Gopalpur in from 30 to 

 38 fathoms. They agree well as regards structure with Dendy's 

 description of the type specimens from the Gulf of Manaar, one 

 of which had grown partially round calcareous nodules ; but cer- 

 tain dift'erences may be noted as regards external form and colour, 

 although these differences are perhaps due to the fact that my 

 specimens are dry. Their surface is smooth, except where the 

 sponge forms a thin layer over the spinose shells of the Siliquaria, 

 and except for a few scattered and irregular cones less than 5 mm. 

 high. I have not observed the vents. Externally the sponge is 

 of an intense black colour, but the inner parts are dark green, 

 which was probabl}' the colour of the fresh sponge. 



