ACCOUNT OF BRITISH SPONGES. 85 



Digitated. 



9. Conus. With numerous short flattish divarica- 



tions issuing from the sides. 



Plate X. 



The divarications are irregular in size, shape, 

 and situation, but they are usually compressed, 

 short, and broadest at the 6nd ; these sometimes 

 originate from an irregular stalk, giving a little 

 resemblance to an expanded fir cone : the texture 

 is rather coarse, and the outside furnished with 

 spiculas or short bristles. When dry it becomes 

 stiff and rather hard, owing to the large quantity 

 of gelatinous flesh which is obvious amongst the 

 fibres. Colour when dry, of a dark yellowish- 

 brown. 



Coast of Devon ^ rare> 



10. Lohata, With clustered ovate divarications. 



Plate ix. 



The texture of this sponge is rather more coarse 

 than that of oculaia ; the lobes vary from ovate 

 to oblong, and originate from an ill- defined stalk 

 in an irregular manner ; they are nearly con- 

 nected, sometimes inosculate, and are furnished 

 with a few prominent pores without order. Co= 

 lour, yellowish-brown \ height two inches. 



Devon coast ^ rare. 



F 3 



