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SPONGE CULTURE. 593 
of sponges grow more rapidly. It is consequently impossible to establish any 
general rule, and definite conclusions may be arrived at only after numerous 
observations. Yet, scientific observations in this line are not numerous and 
can not be superposed; infrequent endeavors have been made to throw some 
light on the legends current in this question. 
We know nothing precise in regard to the most highly prized variety, 
Euspongia officinalis mollissima. Masse says that at Rhodes it reaches an 
average size within three to four years. As to Hippospongia equina elastica, 
Servonnet and Laffitte fix upon a few months, according to the statements of 
fishermen, as being the time necessary for this sponge to obtain commercial size 
in the Gulf of Gabesa. This idea continues to be applied to the Sfaxian region, 
where Servonnet and Laffitte have gleaned part of their information. The 
fishermen and the merchants of sponges determine the aye of individuals (one, 
two, three years) by the dimensions. Bouchon-Brandely and Berthoule report 
that in the month of June a diver had observed carefully on a rock in the envi- 
rons of Benghazi the existence of 57 very young sponges, lately out of their 
larval stage; the following year he dived at the same place and found the same 
sponges still alive, their number being almost the same, but their diameter 
about 10 centimeters. This observation deserves attention, as it has been 
confirmed by researches made by Allemand. ‘This author has noticed that for 
Hippospongia equina elastica about two years, beginning with the time when 
the larve gets fixed, were required for the circumference to reach 30 to 40 
centimeters. 
The researches made in the laboratory of Sfax were more successful than 
those made by the Administration des Travaux Publics of Tunis. The latter 
had three parcs constructed in March, 1897, at Sfax, at Kerkennah, and at Djerba, 
and sponges were carried there with all desirable precautions. ‘The sponges had 
not increased in size by September, and they were invaded by alge, which shows 
to what an extent their vitality had been weakened. Experiments were made 
with still less success, as may be easily understood, with sponges brought to 
Tunis in August, 1898, and held in glass jars. At Kerkennah eight living 
sponges were isolated under water by means of metallic gratings; development 
in size was noticed throughout the months of October, November, and Decem- 
ber, but ceased later on. 
The American species grow very rapidly, if we are to believe the accounts. 
The velvet acquires a commercial size in one year, and the sheepswool and the 
glove are said to grow faster still. Sawyer fixes? at ten months the time necessary 
for a sheepswool to weigh 45 grains. At Nassau the time is fixed at four months, 
@1n Brice. 
B. B. F. 1908—38 
