SPONGES 107 
the sun, or which do not change color like the Logger- 
head Sponge, are best exposed to the full rays of the sun, 
but they must be placed on rocks or boards and_ turned. 
All moistspecimens dry best when placed in shelter or cov- 
ered with canvas at night. Do ‘not keep sponges packed 
in wooden boxes for shipment for any length of time. They 
are almost sure to gather moisture, then soften and mould, 
although if they are dipped in a5 per cent solution of form- 
alin before drying, this moulding may be prevented ina 
great measure. 
Branching Sponges and fragile specimens with fila- 
ments should be fastened to the bottom of shallow paste- 
board boxes before they are quite dry, then the boxes 
placed in a warm, dry room. 
ALCOHOLIC SPECIMENS OF MARINE 
SPONGES. 
Sponges will shrink less when placed in alcohol: if 
allowed to diein salt water, which gradually grows warm 
by exposure to the sun. When once dead, however, the 
