5. The point spread between grades increases rapidly. Thus the 

 desire to allow more tolerance for poorer grades is satisfied, 



6. Holes are the most common fault in No. 1 and No» 2 Forms. The 

 same observation applies to Cuts, with the expected increase in number 

 of demerits being found for poor shape. Lack of outside webbing is a 

 common fault in No. 1 and No. 2 Forms. Weak structure is a common 

 fault in No. 3 sponges. No. U sponges show an increased trend toward 

 tears and the "inshore" type of surfaces. 



Inshore Sheepswool 



Table U gives the average number of demerits that is characteristic 

 for each grade of Inshore Sheepswool sponge. As compared with Rock 

 Island sponges, the Inshore sponges showed more demerits for inside 

 dirt, weaker structure, feathery surface, and lack of surface webbing. 

 Less gurry was found, and the cuts did not seem to earn as many de- 

 merits for poor shape. Tears, when present, appeared to be relative- 

 ly worse, probably because of the method of harvesting. 



Table l;.- 



- Average number of demerits characteristic of each 

 grade of Inshore Sheepswool sponge 



Grade 



Average demerits 

 found by grading 



Demerits recom- 

 mended to be taken 

 as characteristic 



Recommended mid- 

 point to next 

 lower grade 



Forms 



Number 



Number 



Number 



No. 1 

 No. 2 

 No. 3 



99 

 192 



U77 



100 

 190 

 U80 



Ht5 

 335 

 580 



Cuts 









No. 1 

 No. 2 

 No. 3 



137.5 



2U0 



U95 



lUo 



235 

 505 



190 

 370 

 590 



Forms and Cuts 



672 



675 





No. k 



780 



Table 5 gives the average number of demerits that is character- 

 istic for each grade of Florida Yellow sponge. Distortions were rare 

 in this sponge. The principal faults encountered were large natural 



29 



