GO 
he produced two tadpoles, or rather one and the remains of a second. 
The first had been placed in a solution of silica, and after the lapse 
of a few hours was submitted to the action of nitric acid, without 
any apparent injury ; the other which had not been submitted to the 
silicifying process before being jDlaced in the nitric acid, was 
instantly destroyed, the only trace of it being a little brown cloud 
floating in the acid. 
Ihe discoveries made in the dredging expeditions of the Porcu- 
pine and Norna have given an impetus to the study of the sponge 
forms, and although we may not have the opportunity of adding 
new genera or species, all of us who possess a microscope can study 
the life history of the common fresh water sponge, Spongilla 
fluviatilis, it may be found in almost every pond or small stream, 
and a few hours study of a fragment of a living sponge will give 
the ODserver a better idea of that marvellous substance we call 
sarcode or protoplasm, than any lecture or paper can ever hope to 
do, he will see life reduced to its simplest conditions, and if he 
carry his observations to forms slightly more complex he will be 
able to form some conception how all forms of life are linked 
together, forming one harmonious whole, or to quote the words of 
Goethe : — 
“ Wie alles sicli zum Ganzern webt, 
Eiiis in dem andern wirkt und lebt.” 
Some may be inclined to say, there is surely nothing pleasing to 
the eye, or pleasant to the touch in these slimy things, this appa- 
rent unpleasantness will soon be lost sight of, when once the mind 
is interested. 
In concluding this very imperfect description I cannot do better 
than remind you of the words of the great Stagirite. “ Tor that 
nothing is by chance, but for some end is the character of all the 
works of nature ; and the fitness of each part to the end for which 
it is designed occupies the jilace of, and is entitled to the name of 
Beauty.” 
