260 CURIOUS CREATURES. 



for Scallops and Sea-urchins. When it perceives a hand 

 approaching it, it instantly changes its colour, and con- 

 tracts itself; when touched, it produces a burning sen- 

 sation, and if ever so short a time is afforded, makes 

 its escape. Its mouth is situate, it is said, at the root 

 or lower part, and the excrements are discharged by a 

 small canal situated above. 



" SPONGES. 



" We find three kinds of sponges mentioned ; the first 

 are thick, very hard, and rough, and are called tragi : 

 the second are thick, and much softer, and are called 

 mani : of the third, being fine, and of a closer texture, 

 tents for sores are made ; this last is known as Achillium, 

 All of these sponges grow on rocks, and feed upon shell 

 and other fish, and slime. 



"It would appear that these creatures, too, have some 

 intelligence; for, as soon as ever they feel the hand 

 about to tear them off, they contract themselves, and 

 are separated with much greater difficulty : they do the 

 same also, when the waves buffet them to and fro. 

 The small shells that are found in them, clearly show 

 that they live upon food ; about Torone it is even said 

 that they will survive after they have been detached, 

 and that they grow again from the roots which have 

 been left adhering to the rock. They leave a colour 

 similar to that of blood upon the rock from which they 

 have been detached, and those, more especially, which 

 are produced in the Syrtes of Africa." 



Olaus Magnus gives us the accompanying illustration 

 of Zoophytes and Sponges. Of the latter, he says : 

 " Sponges are much multiplied near the Coasts of Nor- 



