188 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



lu cutting tlie sponge it Mas done as nearly as possible in a line with the radial 

 circulating canals, and so that each piece should have on it a part of the outer cuticle. 

 As many were not cut this way and lived, it may not be at all necessary. Each 

 piece was about 1 inch S(iuare on top and somewhat more in length, coming to a 

 point, averaging 25 to a sponge. In cutting care was taken not to express the 

 natural juices or milk, and quickly attaching to the sinkers were immediately put 

 into the water. The poles held on an average 12 pieces placed 12 inches apart, and 

 with oue assistant I was able to ])lant about 200 cuttings ])er day. With a more suit- 

 able boat, having a well to keep the sponge in, and another assistant, I could easily 

 plant from 600 to SOO. 



This work was continued with intervals from November, 1889, untilJune 11, 1891, 

 with various results, under all the conditions of bottom, depth, current, etc. With 

 but few exceptions the sponge survived the cutting process and began a good, healthy 

 growth, to be afterwards lost or destroyed iu various ways. In many cases, notably 

 oue lot planted back of Elliot Key in 4 feet of water on hard bottom, 75 per cent 

 lived and in six months had doubled in size. These were mostly taken up before 

 reaching maturity, as a gale would have swept tliem away, and did so with those 

 that were left. Mature specimens were gotten from many of the other plantings, 

 but the average loss from defective fastenings and other causes was greater. 



The results can be sunuued up as follows: 



Material for anchoring cuttings : While very many things other than those used 

 suggested themselves iu the progress of the work, I kejit strictly within the limits 

 of what Avas economic and practical; therefore poles and stone seemed best suited, 

 preferably the former, arranged so as to be elevated a short distance above the bot- 

 tom to avoid smothering with silt and to avoid the coral, etc., which is apt to grow 

 in with the sponge. Fastenings of just the right character have yet to be invented. 



Location : Anywhere within the bays and lagoons free from heavy sea, too strong 

 current, and too much fresh water, and in moderate depths for easy haudliug and 

 observation. 



Growth : This is faster iu strong currents, but shape is apt to be poor and quality 

 harsh. This point, however, is not fully determined. Under favorable conditious 

 the cuttings double their size iu six months; conse(]uently eighteen months to two 

 years will produce marketable sponge. The sheepswool was the only one of the 

 useful kinds experimented on, although a few cuttings of velvet, grass, and others 

 seemed to thrive and do equally well. It is (juite possible that, with State pro- 

 tection to the planters and better methods to be determined upon by further 

 experiment, sponge culture might be profitable. My belief is, gained in oyster 

 culture from spawn, that a similar method with sponge will eventually prove the 

 correct one, but until more is known of sponge biology it would be useless to suggest 

 methods, notwithstanding the fact that several ])oiiits in connection with it have 

 been to my mind quite clearly demonstrated. Unfortunately, having had to turn 

 my attention to matters of more immediate pecuniary return, the subject has 

 remained in abeyance. 



