344 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Polypes. 



by large holes raised higher than the rest. When 

 it is cut perpendicularly, the interior parts are 

 seen to consist of small tubes, which divide into 

 branches as they appear on the surface. These 

 tubes, which are composed of reticulated fibres, 

 extend themselves every way, by this means in- 

 creasing the surface of the sponge, and ending 

 at the outside in an infinite number of small cir- 

 cular holes, which are the proper mouths of the 

 animal. Each of these holes is surrounded by a 

 few erect pointed fibres, that appear as if woven 

 in the form of little spines. These tubes, with 

 their ramifications, in the living state of the 

 sponge, are clothed with q, gelatinous substance, 

 properly called the flesh of the animal. When 

 the sponge is first taken it has a strong fishy 

 smell, and the fishermen take great care to wash 

 it perfectly clean, in order to prevent its growing 

 putrid. 



The polypes are gelatinous animals, consisting 

 of a long tubular body, fixed at the base, and sur- 

 rounded at the mouth by arms or tenacula. 

 They are chiefly inhabitants of fresh waters, and 

 are among the most wonderful productions of 

 nature. The particulars of their life, their mode 

 of propagation, and powers of reproduction, after 

 being cui to pieces, are truly astonishing. 



The green polype (a species that will fully 

 illustrate the nature of the whole tribe) is found 

 in clear waters, and may generally be seen in 

 great plenty in small ditches and trenches ojf 



