42 
coral, Captain Tyler said that sponges were of three orders, which 
were sub-divided into numerous classes, thus showing that there 
was something more to be learnt about a sponge than at first sight 
might be supposed. He said that there was no doubt that sponges 
were included in the animal kingdom, and that there was to be 
found a large variety around our own coast. Having explained the 
organism of the sponge, he said that if'two specimens of the same 
character came together, they grew into each other and became 
one ; but this was never the case with two specimens of an opposite 
character. Of the large number of specimens lying on the table, 
Captain Tyler specially referred to several in illustration of his 
remarks. He exhibited a sponge growing on a coral; another 
growing over a shell ; varieties of the same kind of sponges growing 
together ; and a number of flints which were thought at one time 
to be sponges ; although this was at present an undecided point. 
He said that sponges were of all colours, and exhibted specimens 
of various tints, one being of jet black. He said he had a piece of 
sponge which, if immersed in 50 gallons of water for an hour, 
would produce a bright purple liquid. He also pointed that the 
form of sponge was no guide to species, and that the nature and 
embryo of the sponge was an unsettled question. He offered to 
place at the disposal of the Club a number. of specimens for 
mounting, and described the method of mounting as follows :— 
Cut a thin slice at right angles to the surface, whieh will give you 
dermal spicules ; then take a slice, also thin, at right angles to the 
surface, soak it in spirits of turpentine, mount it in Canada balsam, 
and put it by to dry for examination. Afterwards take a portion 
to boil in nitric acid, which will give you the whole of the spicules 
previously seen in section, but do not be in a hurry to pour off, 
as some of the minutest may be found in portions of the film 
removed. Take a portion of the material, put it under a. glass 
slide, and mount in Canada balsam as usual. In addition to the 
large specimens of sponge, Captain Tyler exhibited a number of 
diagrams illustrative of his subject, which was of great interest to 
all who had the pleasure of hearing it, but incapable of reproduction, 
as a report, in an intelligible form. 
The Presrpent said that ‘“‘ sponges’’ had been a favourite study 
of his, for his introduction to which he was indebted to his friends, 
Dr. Bowerbank and Captain Tyler. He also mentioned that he 
‘was instrumental in inducing Dr. Bowerbank to publish the third 
volume of his valuable work on British Sponges, which had been 
completed, and if it was the intention of the Club to take up the 
study of sponges, he should recommend that the work be purchased, 
as it would be a valuable addition to their library. Mr. Lee then 
aceorded to Captain Tyler, in the name of the members, their 
hearty thanks for his kindness in coming forward to discourse on a 
subject so full of interest. 
