328 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [Dec 



reef forms a veritable paradise to the marine zoologist. 

 Its proximity to the shore — it can be reached at very low 

 tide by wading little more than ankle-deep — its shelter- 

 ed position, and its very formation of fairly loose blocks 

 of moderately soft stone, render it, without exception, one 

 of the most accessible haunts of attractive zoological spec- 

 imens to be found on the Victorian coast. 



I propose, therefore, in a series of short papers, to con- 

 sider, in their zoological order, three or four groups which 

 are well represented in the marine fauna of this particu- 

 lar locality. And as a mere list of Dames will be of little 

 interest or value, I hope to describe what may be regard- 

 ed as typical examples of these predominating groups, and 

 show, as far as space will permit, the relationship of the 

 members of such groups, and the principles upon which 

 the classifications are made. 



We commence with the Phylum, Porifera or Sponges, 

 the reef furnishing examples illustrating the principal 

 sub-classes of this group. Attached to the under surface 

 of the loose stones or .safely moored to firmer support be- 

 tween the loose boulders ; forming a delicate and, in some 

 cases, gorgeous covering to the rock or a disguise to a tiny 

 crab ; growing, plant-like, amongst the delicate sea-grass 

 or upon more vigorous sea-weeds, sponges meet us every- 

 where. They interest us because of their varying sizes, 

 some being so small as to be almost microscopic in size, 

 others so large that we have a difficulty in enclosing them 

 with both hands. They attract attention on account of 

 their variety in color, some being of deep purple whilst 

 others are of golden hue ; some escape notice amongst the 

 seaweed because of their delicate green color, whilst 

 others are white as driven snow. They excite curiosity 

 because of their diversity of form, some of the smallest be- 

 ing perchedona stalk, the body of the spongebeing shaped 

 like a small pine-apple, whilst others stand up from the 

 stouts to which they are fixed like miniature columns or 



