164 



Marvels of the Universe 



mathematician would find it no 

 easy matter to ascertain by what 

 amount these squares should be 

 reduced right down to the end of 

 the tube so that harmony should be 

 the result and not disorder. Yet all 

 is easily accomplished in that life 

 principle of the humble creature 

 we call a " Glass Sponge." 



The upper part of the sponge 

 structure, known as the lid, was 

 compared by Sir Richard Owen 

 to the rose of a watering-pot. 

 Through its meshes the waters 

 flow outwards after traversing the 

 ramifications of the animal. 



The late Lady Brassey brought 

 home several specimens of Venus' 

 Flower Baskets from the eastern 

 seas. They were greatly admired 

 when exhibited in London. This 

 was the first opportunity the public 

 had of seeing so many. Even 

 naturalists had only seen a few 

 specimens. 



Some years ago the writer of 

 this article was fortunate in making 

 the acquaintance of Mr. Cruik- 

 shank, who had resided for a long 

 tune with the late Rajah Brooke in 

 Borneo. This gentleman's experi- 

 ences in fishing for Glass Sponges 

 may be of interest : 



" My man and I spent many 

 days every year in hooking up 

 Venus', Flower Baskets from the 

 mud of the sea-bed off Sarawak and other parts of the coast near Borneo. We only went out on 

 very calm days. The man would row very gently while I sent down a fish-hook attached to a fine 

 line, weighted with lead. On feeling the slightest resistance, the line would be carefully drawn up. 

 Frequently a Glass Sponge would be captured. Contrary to the usual way of matters above ground, 

 the creature in its living state does not look nearly so inviting as its skeleton looks when deprived 

 of all the flesh and the micro-spicules which it contains. The grey substance enveloping the 

 skeleton, which is the flesh proper, has to be washed away very soon, as our climate is hot. The 

 skeleton is bleached and is then practically imperishable and uncommonly strong, considering its 

 frail appearance and the hght material of which it is built up. 



" There is one more point worthy of notice which is not mentioned in any of the printed descrip- 

 tions of the Venus' Flower Baskets which I have seen. In pulling up the line and hook, thinking 

 we have made a capture, we find we have torn away a piece of the sponge, including the attached 

 part of its skeleton ; for you must remember that the long flintj' filaments which are continuous with 



A GLASS SPONGE 



The actual sponge formation of this species is 

 hitherto illustrated. The long coil of fine threads serve 

 an anchor to hold it to its sea-bed. 



re evident than in thos' 

 the sponffe-creature a 



