PLATE CLVI. 



This, like many other of the Spongia tribe when in a living 

 state, or fresh gathered from the sea, is of a fine orange colour. 

 The sombrous brown, or sordid tints which it subsequently assumes, 

 is the natural effects of the extinction of its vitality, and it is there- 

 fore only in a recent or living state that we can form any just idea 

 of the species that compose this curious tribe of beings. 



The species is a native of various seas. 



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