XII 



DESCRIPTION OF A NEW FORM OF SPONGE-LIKE 



ANIMAL. 



British Association Report 1851,/A 2, p. 80 



The author described a gelatinous substance found in almost all 

 seas, in masses varying in size from that of a pea to that of a walnut. 

 This mass is an animal of extreme simplicity, analogous to the 

 Palmellae in the vegetable kingdom, and consisting of a number of 

 simple cells united by a gelatinous connecting matter, containing 

 siliceous spicula. 



The author pointed out the importance of this creature as connect- 

 ing the Spongice GregarinidcE and Polyilialaviata. 



