308 Dublin Natural-History Society. 
Montagu ; it is mentioned in Bowerbank as Dictyocylindrus hispidus, 
but no Irish locality given. At the same meeting Dr. Scouler brought 
to notice fine specimens of Halichondria Johnstonia. Dr. Scouler 
considered at the time that it presented features so different from 
what had hitherto been recorded, from its remarkable papillous ap- 
pearance, and in the peculiarity of the pores, as to form it into a 
new genus—Amphitrema. It has not been recorded from the coasts 
of Ireland by either Johnston or Thompson. It has been collected 
in several parts of Galway Bay; but Mr. Andrews was not aware of 
any other locality on the Irish coast. Dr. Bowerbank has formed it 
into a new genus, Pachymatisma (Pachymatisma Johnstonia). A 
drawing was made by the late Dr. Harvey, and several characteris- 
tics of the spicula noticed, which present great variety of forms, 
similar to several occurring in other genera. The ovaria are nume- 
rously imbedded in the structure, 
One of the most remarkable that had been collected in Galway 
and Dingle Bays was Halichondria celata, Johnston (Cliona celata, 
Grant, and subsequently named Raphirus Griffithsvi by Bowerbank). 
No sponge has caused more confusion than this, whether we con- 
sider its range in deep and shallow water, its varied distribution of 
attachment, or the very dissimilar outline of form and structure it not 
unfrequently assumes—so much so, that 1. celata of Johnston had been 
divided into twelve species. It still presents such anomalies that it 
is not improbable that new features may be described when the ques- 
tion of its decided animality is more thoroughly investigated. It is 
one of those difficulties that have to be encountered in the examina- 
tion of the anatomy and physiology of the sponges ; for unless col- 
lected and dissected with care in the living state, no true charac- 
teristics can be depended upon. Dried specimens give by no means 
even a correct outline of their form or mode of growth; and the 
more remarkable features are altogether lost—the peculiar action of 
the oscula and pores, the mode of reproduction,—independent of the 
beauty of their tints, which are altogether altered in the dried state 
or in spirit preparations. Mr. Andrews frequently noticed the great 
alteration of character that almost suddenly takes place in marine 
objects, especially delicate species, when placed in spirits. Mr.An- 
drews regretted to find, on inquiry, that the collection of sponges 
that had been made for the Natural-History Society had been put 
astray or lost at the time of the confused removal of the museum 
from the rooms which the Society held in Brunswick Street, and 
also that not more than one-third of the specimens are at present 
forthcoming in the Royal Dublin Society’s collection, formed by Dr. 
Scouler—which may be attributed to the same cause, the packing 
and stowing away when the change from the rooms and the altera- 
tions in the museum were made. There were several unique speci- 
mens that had been collected by M‘Calla. 
