SPONGES ADI 
in fact, the species are most abundant in the tropical and_ sub-tropical waters. 
No Horny Sponge has been found at a greater depth, than one hundred 
and fifty feet and this is much deeper water than in which the majority of the 
species thrive best. The proper ocean zone for Horny Sponges where the major- 
ity of species occur, is between three and forty feet, and as far as my observation 
extends, they always prefer localities which are fully exposed to the rays of the 
sun, and where they can receive the full benefit of the incoming tide. 
GATHERING AND PREPARING COMMERCIAL SPONGES. 
As the sponges of the Mediterranean are more valuable than those from 
our American waters, greater care is used in gathering them. They are taken 
by divers and dredges and considerable care is also used jn their preparation 
for market, The following is an account ofthe method by which Florida and 
Bahama Sponges are gathered and prepared for the market as I have witnessed 
it many times. 
Vessels are fitted out by merchants who own them, and let on shares to a 
crew which consists of from six to ten men. ‘The yessel claims one third of the 
sponges taken, and the men share the rest equally. An outfit consists of a 
boat for every two men, two or three sponge hooks, with staves of varying 
lengths from ten to thirty feet, a water glass and an oar for each boat. <A 
sponge hook js simply a two pronged hook, varying somewhat in size, accord- 
ing tu the size of the sponge to be taken. The water glass-is a box about 
twelve inches square with a glass bottom. In the beautifully transparent wat- 
ers of the Bahamas, this glass, when placed against the surface causes the water 
