The Microscope. 163 



times only one,) the termini of which are a rudimentary hook. I 

 have lately found a specimen of what I am disposed to regard as a 

 variety of this species, in which the foramen of the statoblasts 

 terminate in a well-defined cup, with an even, circular margin, with- 

 out any cirrous appendages. This peculiarity, if found to be con- 

 stant in several mounted specimens, will be sufficient to constitute it 

 a new species. 



The fourth established species of the genus was found in Russia 

 by Prof. P. F. Stephanon, of the University of Kharkow. It was 

 described, and named by Dr. Dybowski, of Novogrodek, Dosilia 

 StepanowU, probably without his knowledge of the genus Carteriiis. 

 The term Dosilia has since been dropped, and the proper generic 

 one substituted. It is now Carterius StepanowU Dybowski. 



Having seen nothing more of this sponge than a drawing rep- 

 resenting one of the statoblasts, T can only describe it so far. It 

 appears to be more like C. tuhisperma than the other species in the 

 genus, the difference being principally, that the tendril-like append- 

 ages proceed from an almost square flange, or collar, placed at the 

 end of the tube, instead of starting immediately from it. The same 

 in a very slight degree has been observed in C tuhisperma. I am 

 justified in saying that Mr. Carter regards it identical with C. 

 tuhisperma. 



It is by the form and manner of spiculation , in most sponges, 

 that their classification is established; but, in the genus Carterius, 

 the foramenal appendages are at present of paramount importance. 



While this is being written, intelligence comes across the water 

 that still another specimen or two have been found, this time by Prof. 

 Petr, of the Prague university, the description of which, with 

 beautiful illustrations, was published by him in the Czesch language 

 at Prague, in 1886. Also of another specimen found by him in the 

 same district, and named provisionally, Ephydatia bohemica, 

 wherein according to a note of Mr. Carter's in the Annals, and Mag 

 azine of Natural History, for March, 1887, the statoblasts present 

 an incipient condition of the cirrous development characterizing 

 Carterius. 



All the apj^endages of the species that I have seen, are of 

 the color of amber, in this respect resembling the chitinous coat, 

 lining the statoblast. They all take stain well, either of the aniline 

 dyes, or carmine. 



Great progress has been made in this interesting branch of 

 natural history in the old world during the past few years. Dr. 

 Dybowski already named, has found Spongilla lacustris in seventeen 



