§2 



ACCOUNT OF BRITISH SPONGES. 



than run a risk of unnecessarily multiplying 

 species without evident specific distinction. 



18. FoUacea. Of a fine texture, greatly compres- 

 sed, and tubular ; the inside finely reticu- 

 lated. 



Spongia compressa. Fob, Faun. Groenl. p. 448 ? — 

 Gmel p. 38)25 ? 



Plate xii. 



This leaf-like sponge usually grows in clusters, 

 each follicle being of an irregular shape, but ge- 

 nerally more or less obovate, furnished with a 

 short pedicle, by which it is affixed ; and the apex 

 is contracted, having an opening to the tube : 

 some specimens have one or two perforated tu- 

 bercles on the lateral margin ; others shoot into 

 small lateral leaflets, which are also tubular. 



The remarkable character of this sponge, is th^t 

 of being so thin or compressed, as at first sight td 

 be mistaken for a fine Flustra, and yet being hol- 

 low. Its colour is dull yellow when alive, and in 

 that state, when adhering to the under part of 

 projecting rocks, has so much the appearance of 

 a young Flustra joliaeea^ that it might readily de- 

 ceive an experienced eye without close inspec- 

 tion. It rarely exceeds an inch in length, and is 

 of a fine texture. It is frequently mixed with 

 stunted fuci, growing in the most exposed situa- 

 tions, subject to the severest agitation of thr 

 waves, and is always observed to be pendent. 



