HALICHONDRIA. 133 



irregular in size and shape, but usually originate from one base 

 or stem. When dried, it becomes rigid, but less so when it has 

 been exposed for some time on the sea-shore, or, by repeated ir- 

 rigations, the animal gluten is decomposed and washed out. 

 Height about an inch. 



" What is conceived to be a small variety, has the divarica- 

 tions more numerous and distinct, spreading from a short pe- 

 dicle. In this, the reticular fibres are greatly obliterated by the 

 large quantity of gelatine retained, by the contraction of which, 

 the fibres are connected, and the sponge is rendered hard and 

 destitute of flexibility." Montagu. 



26. H. PERLEVis, "^form indeterminate, texture close, sur- 

 face covered icith obtuse j)(ipdl<S'^ 



Spongia perlevis, Montagu in Wern. Mem. ii. 8G. Flem. Brit. 



Anim. 526. 

 Tupha perlevis, Gray, Brit. PI. i. 356. 



Hab. Coast of Devon, rare, Montagu. 



" In texture this sponge is somewhat similar to tomentosa ; 

 is equally light, but not so soft and crumbly, nor of so pale a 

 colour ; when fresh it is yellow, becoming of a light brown when 

 dry : on the surface are numerous obtuse papillae, the eighth of 

 an inch in length ; these are not tubular, but of the same tex- 

 ture as the rest of the sponge ; some are clavated, others bifid 

 or trifid, and compressed ; sometimes a few moderate sized pores 

 are scattered over the surface, very visible to the naked eye, be- 

 ing as large as if made by a common pin. A specimen of about 

 two inches long and an inch broad, taken on the coast of Devon, 

 appears to have been attached to a rock its whole length." Mon- 

 tagu. 



27. H. SANGUINEA, encrusting, of a deep blood-red colour, 

 compact ; fecal orifices small and scattered ; spicula long, 

 curved, pointed at one end. 



