50 



corresponding with those that they inhabit in the Mediter- 

 ranean, and diving or dredging operations on a small but 

 intelligent scale might be advantageously instituted to 

 ascertain to what extent the opinion here expressed may 

 prove correct. 



In the event of sponges of the desired quality not being 

 forthcoming from the American seas, it is recommended 

 that steps be taken to transport thither living examples of 

 the best Levant varieties, and where, being once established, 

 they would no doubt rapidly propagate. That commercial 

 sponges can be artificially cultivated has been proved by 

 experiments made both in the Mediterranean and American 

 waters, the method pursued in each instance being closely 

 identical. The idea that sponges might be propagated by 

 means of cuttings, i.e., large examples cut up into nume- 

 rous fragments and artificially affixed to a new supporting 

 basis, first originated with Professor Oscar Schmidt, and 

 was practically carried out in the Adriatic Sea by Mr. 

 Gregor Buccich, a telegraph supervisor, in the island of 

 Lesina, in Dalmatia, between the years 1867 and 1872. 

 The operations carried out were conducted by Mr. Buccich 

 with the direct support of the Government and a number 

 of the more prominent merchants of Trieste, a suitable 

 station having been selected in the Bay of Socolizza, at 

 the north-eastern point of the above-named island. The 

 sponges selected were, in their living condition, cut care- 

 fully and rapidly into fragments, having the average 

 dimensions of 26 square millimetres, immediately fastened 

 to the objects upon which it was intended they should 

 grow, and then let down to a depth of 5-6 metres. Wooden 

 boxes previously well tarred, to prevent the attacks of the 

 Teredo, with their sides left almost entirely open, and with 

 holes drilled in the top and bottom, into which the sponges 



