106 SPONGES 
When a sponge adheres too firmly to the bottom to 
be removed with the hands when wading, it is best to cut 
it away with a knife, taking care to cut as near the base as 
possible. 
DRYING MARINE SPONGES. 
As soon as possible after sponges are dead they should 
be dried. In preparing specimens in which the color can 
be retained, it is best to dry them in a warm place, but not 
directly in the rays of the sun. I have been most success- 
fulin preserving the color of sponges by placing them on 
boards or rocks in the sun, but covered with papers. Small 
sponges should he dried about a half a day on one side, 
then turned and dried on the other side. Asunry day will 
be sufficient to dry such sponges when they can be wrapped 
in tissue paper and placed in boxes, but such boxes should 
be kept in a warm, drv place. Large specimens must be 
kept longer in the sun. 
Allsponges which blacken like the Commiercial Spong- 
es, Tube Sponge. or Giant Cup Sponge, upon exposure to 
