592 THE ZOOPHYTES. 



greatly from each other both in shape and structure. 

 Some are composed of reticulated fibres or masses 

 of small spines : some, as the Common or Officinal 

 Sponge, are of no regular shape ; others are cup- 

 shaped, others tubular, &c. 



The Officinal Sponge is elastic, and very full of 

 holes: it grows into irregular lobes of a woolly 

 consistence, and generally adheres, by a very broad 

 base, to the rocks. It is chiefly found about the 

 islands in the Mediterranean, sea, where it forms a 

 considerable article of commerce. A variety of 

 small marine animals pierce and gnaw into its irre- 

 gular winding cavities. These appear on the out- 

 side, 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, ex- 

 tend themselves every way, by this means increasing 

 the surface of the sponge, and ending at the outside 

 in an infinite number of small circular 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 a 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. 



