tw 2 
(90 
SPONGES 
Taking the sponges in the order given under habits, we find in the Scarlet 
Sponge a brilliant species, of which some idea may be given upon referring to 
Plate III. This color varies somewhat with individuals. 
The Scarlet Sponge changes first to greenish, upon drying, and then to 
white, | 
The Branching Sponge of our New England Coast, is pale yellow in hfe, 
and bleaches somewhat upon drying, 
The color of the Gray Cup Sponge in lifeis pale brown, with spots of 
pinkish and this color changes to a pale brown. 
The Green Cup is a deep olive green in life, changing toa greenish brown 
in drying. 
Both the Palm and Crimson Branching Sponge are deep purple lake in 
life, but change to black on drying. 
The Finger Sponge is always gray living, and remains the same color 
when not exposed to the direct rays of the sun for too long a time. 
The Purple Sponge is, as its name implies, of a deep purple lake, and 
this color remains ina great measure, in dried specimens, which are not ex- 
posed to the sun. 
As already remarked, the Red Sponge is bright, shining coral red, but 
dries whitish, 
The Creeping Sponge is pinkish yellow, drying about the same. 
A few species of the Spiculigenous Sponges are black, but by far the 
greater number, as seen, are brightly colored when living. The Incrusting 
Sponges vary from black, brown and bright red togreen, See Plate IV, for 
the color of the Green Incrusting Sponge, 
