60 SEALE. 



at 2 pesos 40 centavos per kilo for the best quality and 40 centavos to 1 

 peso for the smaller kind, although I have seen sponges of the same 

 classes marked in the retail trade at from 50 cents to 2 dollars. United 

 States currency, each. The Philippine grass sponge, in comparison 

 with any of the American or Cuban varieties, is regarded by wholesale 

 dealers as being softer and stronger and of a better grade. It is probable 

 that when these sponges are better known the price will be materially 

 increased. 



THE PHILIPPINE SILK SPOXGE. 



A small variety of the grass sponge, usually of 10 to 15 centimeters 

 in diameter is frequently associated with the preceding variety. It is 

 characterized by an extremely soft, silky texture ; in fact it is the softest 

 sponge found in the Islands. Acting upon the suggestions of sponge 

 dealers I have decided to designate it as the Philippine silk sponge. 

 The silk sponge has been taken in shallow ^vater at Tawi-Tawi and 

 Sitanki and it will also probably be found near several other islands. 

 It would be very useful as a toilet sponge for infants and should bring 

 a slightly better price than the ordinary grass sponge. 



THE SULU SEA BATH SPONGE (PLATE \Il). 



This is a grass sponge of very coarse, tough fiber. It is quite common 

 near Sitanki in water of from 1.3 to 2 meters in depth; it attains a di- 

 ameter of 60 centimeters or more. No sponges exactly like the Sulu Sea 

 sponge are taken in tlie American fisheries and therefore the large 

 dealers were not inclined to consider it at its fiiU value, mainl}-, I believe, 

 because of lack of familiarity with it. One dealer believes that to a 

 certain extent it resembles the Florida j'ellow sponge, but it is tougher 

 than the latter, and contrary to what might be expected, holds water well. 



It could be used as a bath or horse sponge, for cleaning carriages, 

 automobiles, large guns, or mortars, or as a stiffening for various fabrics. 



The prices given for this variety are only 40 to 60 centa\os per kilo, 

 but these are probably much below the true value of the sponge and 

 much less than they will be when it becomes known to the trade. 



THE PHILIPPINE ELEPHANT'S-EAK SPONGE (PLATE VIIl). 



This is a true elephant's-ear sponge, but specimens so far examined 

 do not seem to have the thickness of the Mediterranean variety ; however, 

 those secured from a depth of 15 to 30 meters are thicker and have a 

 softer texture. The j^Iediterranean elephant's-ear is in great demand 

 and brings high prices, aud the Philippine variety from deep waters 

 should compare favorably with it. 



This sponge is used by glazers, and as padding in the more expensive 

 racing saddles. The market seems to be almost entirely European, and 

 no quotation of prices could be secured in the United States, because 

 of the very small and unsatisfactory specimen in my collection. This 



