
RAMBLES IN FLORIDA. 467 
(Chama arcinella Lam.), and the fine bivalves Collista gi 
gantea and C. maculata, and many other molluscan forms 
of interest and beauty are quite numerous. The water 
deepens rapidly upon the outside of the key, and many 
l species may be found upon the outer beaches that are rarely 
., Tet with on the shore of the main land. While walking 
near the edge of the water the surf rolled up a fine living 
Specimen of the odd-lookiug trigonal Trunk-fish ( Lacto- 
~ Phrys camelinus DeKay), sometimes called Cow-fish, a pro- 
; file view of the head much resembling that of a cow ; and 
along the drift rows a few specimens of a Sea-cucumber 
(Holothuria), which look like an empty bead purse. There 
18 à large species found in Puget Sound that is eaten by the 
| Indians, and the Holothuria edulis is regularly collected by 
the Malays in great quantities, dried, and sold to the Chi- 
hese who regard it as a delicacy. We prefer broiled quails. 
3 Specimens of the switch-like Gorgonia (Leptogorgia virgu- 
i lata M.-Edw.) are mixed in with the drift; and attached to 
the bases of many of the specimens is the queer Ark-shell 
(Arca Now Linn.), called Noah’s Ark;-here also are large 
Sponges, shaped somewhat like a vase. The business of 
Sponge collecting is quite profitable. At the present time 
re is an increased demand for the ‘coarser species, as, 
after proper preparation, it makes a most excellent filling 
for pillows and mattresses. The sponges furnish numerous 
Microscopic forms of wonderful beauty, and fossil sponges 
are found in many of the geological strata in Great Britain.* 
Having added largely to our collection during our pleas- 
ant stay upon Long Key we again got under way, and early 
ìn the afternoon of a mild winter day we came to anchor in 
w pass at the end of Pine or Piney Key, and soon after 
Went ashore, This little island is one of the most delight- 
ful spots on earth; it is covered with vegetation almost to 
a ee the Ger PPS 
















CS 
oe the green sand, the upper chalk, and the Kentish rag were M 
Sponges grew in every sea . . . . » The Brighton pebbles and the Wiltshire 
are principally petrified sponges . . - . - (Milton’s * Stream of Life.”) 

