87 



TAB. XLIII. 

 SPONGIA pulchella. 



Spec. Char. Composed of fine reticulations, smooth 

 and soft in appearance, generally compressed and 

 broad. 



I FIRST received this sponge from Ireland, brought from 

 thence by Mr. Browne (who was engaged in the voyage of 

 discovery to New South Wales) about the year 1 800 j and 

 in 1 802 I received it from North Wales by favour of the 

 Rev. Hugh Davies. It is extremely irregular as to shape, 

 although sometimes approaching to a fan shape, and some- 

 times rather palmate or digitate. Its fibres are delicately 

 reticulate. It varies in colour, somewhat like the Spongia 

 officinalis or common Sponge, from a palish brown to a 

 yellowish or reddish brown. It is however readily discerned 

 by its less coarse appearance. Its texture may be some- 

 what more rigid. 



