PHYLUM PORIFERA 1 07 



The depletion of the sponge supply by unwise fishing has re- 

 sulted in an attempt to regulate the industry by governmental 

 control. Sponge culture is now carried on successfully in Italy 

 and Florida. Perfect specimens are cut into pieces about one 

 inch square, and " planted " on stakes on clean, rocky bottoms 

 free from cold currents. These grow into marketable size in 

 five or six years. 



