131 



TAB. LX. 



SPONGIA cancellata. 

 Cancellated Sponge. 



Class 6. Vermes. Order 4. Zoophyta. 

 Gen. Spongia. Spec. cancellata. 



This remarkable Sponge was brought me fresh from 

 Brighton by Mr. Fellows, September 17th 1805. Its can- 

 cellated structure distinguishes it at first sight from all 

 others that I have seen either specimens or figures of, 

 ■especially as British. Besides this structure in the general 

 habit, its fibres are also cancellated or reticulated with a 

 horny appearance when magnified. All spongiae seem to 

 betray more or less the habitation or nidus of some animal, 

 in the general structure. The kneed appearance and the 

 swelling at the bend of the knee, with the inverted conical 

 aperture, give this assurance. It is rather astonishing 

 that this circumstance has not been ascertained with any 

 certainty. 



In the present laudably inquisitive age there is little doubt 

 but it is likely to be found out. 



