116 Mr. H. J. Carter on 



General Observations. 



Here it might be again stated that the spiiiispiruhi or flesh- 

 spicule in the Suberitina becomes gradually diminished in 

 size from SpirastreUa cunctatrix downwards, so as to at last 

 disappear altogether and leave nothing but the skeletal or pin- 

 like spicule, as shown in the " List " to which I have referred 

 ('Annals,' 1882, vol. ix. p. 347 &c.). Hence there may be 

 Suberitina without the spinispirula or any other form that 

 the flesh-spicule in these sponges may assume, as the following 

 will show : — 



14. Suherites Wilsoni, Carter (' Annals,' 1885, 

 vol. XV. p. 113). 



In this sponge, so remarkable for its carmine colour, there 

 is 710 flesh-spicule, as may be seen by a reference to the 

 description (/. c). 



15. Suherites Wilsoni , var. alhidus (dry). 



This is precisely the same as the foregoing in respect of 

 its pyramidal shape, spicukition, and areniferous composition, 

 but the surface is more even, although still retaining traces 

 linearly of the suberitic elevation or polygonal division to 

 which 1 have alluded, and, where there has been a vent, 

 more or less torn from contraction when drying. It only 

 seems to differ from Suherites Wilsoni in the absence of 

 colour. The specimen is 6 in. high by 7 X 5 at the base. 

 Neither original colour nor depth is given. 



16. Suherites glohosa. 



Massive, globular in one specimen, globular-elongate in 

 the other, for there are two specimens, both stipitate, rising 

 from a thick, round, short stem. Consistence firm. Colour in 

 the former when fresh " wax-yellow," now whitish grey; in the 

 latter " orange-buff," now much tlie same. Surface smooth as 

 glass from the compactness of the dermis. Vents in plurality 

 on the summit of the globular form, reduced to one very large 

 one with everted edge in the centre of the elongated one. 

 Spicules of one form only, viz. pin-like, comparatively small, 

 shaft fusiform, finely pointed, about 75 by |-6000ths in. 

 Structure from without inwards, consisting of an extremely 

 thin skin in the globular form, but thick (l-24th in.), tough 

 and fibrous in the elongated one ; internally the same in 

 each, viz. very conn)act, mottled" grey and yellow by the 



