116 



ACCOUNT OF BRItlSH SPONGES^. 



36. Plumosa, Irregular, rather soft and toughj, 



wheli deprived of its gelatinous flesh, some- 

 what resembling compressed tow. 



The texture of this sponge is not very fine, but 

 loose, and pervious to light, not very unlike offici- 

 nalis, but of a paler colour, and not so compres- 

 sible and elastic : it is composed of small fim- 

 briated or feather-like fibres that intersect each 

 other, interspersed with larger pores. It has not 

 been ascertained to what size this species grows, 

 or to what it is naturally attached. One or two 

 specimens only have occurred : these are of a yel- 

 lowish-white colour, about three inches high, and 

 more than two inches broad. 



Coast of Devon ^ rare. 



37. Coriacea, Shape indefinite, wrinkled and 



cavernous, not unlike a piece of burnt 

 leather. 



The fibres that constitute this sponge, are com- 

 posed of very fine spiculse, and are intersected 

 with numerous large pores and cavities, giving 

 the appearance of singed leather, or a piece of 

 dark-coloured worm-eaten wood in a very decay- 

 ed state. One side is rather smooth, with circular 

 depressions or cavities. The only specimen that 

 has occurred, is much depressed, four inches in 

 length, and about two in breadth. 



Coast of Devon. 



