SPONGES. 481 



H. ventilahra, Flem. 



Specimens of this sponge (with one of which I have been favoured) 

 were obtained by Dr. Ball from the Nymph Bank, in 1818. 



H. simulans, Johnst. 

 Dublin Bay, Dr. Hassall. Connemara, Mr. M'Calla. 



H. cinerea, Grant. 

 East and West of Ireland, Clew Bay, W. T. 



H.fucorum, (W. T.) See Johnst. Br. Sp., p. 112 and 113. 



In Belfast Bay I generally find this species, as it is represented in pi. 

 ix. of Brit. Sponges, on Halidtys siliquosa. When exposed for a time on 

 the beach, it assumes a brilliant orange colour. Killery Bay, 1840, W. 

 T. Common on Alga; and Zoophytes (littoral and deep-water), Down 

 and Antrim. Not uncommon on marine plants and the large corallines 

 on the North-East coast, W. T. 



H. panicea, Pall. 



In addition to bringing Templeton's sp. itrens and cristnta under 

 this, Johnston also brings his Alcyonium tomentosimi and mednUare (var. 

 ^S". tomeiitosa, common on Algae and Zoophytes, Down and Antrim). This 

 species invests Inachus scorpio, in the North. Burren, Co. Clare, 

 W. T. 



Spongia palmata, Templeton. A var. H. panicea, Johnst. Br. Sp., 

 p. 94. 



This species is most common, investing to a great extent the stems of 

 Laminaria digitata, on the coasts of Down, Antrim, and Dublin. 



H. (sgagropila, Scouler. 



On ovum of common dog-fish, brought with Derry oysters to Belfast, 

 W. T. Connemara, Mr. M'CaUa. 



H. incrustans, Esper. (sp.). 



Abundant, adherent to rocks between tide-marks on the Down coast. 

 Dr. Johnston calls it an " unattractive species," in which — but it is a mat- 

 ter of mere taste — I cannot agree. Its reddish orange colour on the dark 

 rocks is to my eye most lively and pleasing, and more particularly so 

 when other sponges are in its immediate proximity. At Ballyholme, 

 Belfast Bay, within the space of a very few square feet, this species may be 

 seen in small orange patches on the rock ; Hal. panicea in green masses, 

 and by throwing aside the hanging fronds of Fuctis nodnsus (covered by 

 their parasite PoJgsiphonia fastigiafa), Ptilota phnnosa densely clothing 

 the shaded rock is exposed to view, and on it the Grantia botrgoides and 

 G.foUacea grow plentifully, and the G. ciliaia is sparingly seen. 



Although H. incrustans inclines generally to look directly down upon 

 the water, or to grow on the under surface of rocks (see Grant, quoted in 

 Johnst. B. S., p. 124), I find it also attached to their perpendicular sides, 

 and when so, the " fecal orifices " are elevated, but not very much, above 

 the surface. 



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