310 
POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 
A Frencli periodical contains a suggestive article Sur 
FAcclimatation des Eponges dans les Eaux de la France et de 
FAlgerie/^ by M. E. Lamiral. ‘^^We are/^ be says_, igno- 
rant of tbe exact duration * of life in sponges^ and also tbeir 
rate of growth^ but we know that we can return and fisb 
for tbem in places where only three years before they had 
been almost extinct. If sponges were more abundant and 
less costly, the uses of them would increase.'’-’ Even as it is, 
the consumption goes on increasing, and the production does 
not keep pace with the demand. In every part of the Medi- 
terranean the fishing for sponges is carried on without 
regard to its future continuance. The author, therefore, 
proposes that steps should be taken to naturalize sponges on 
the coasts of France and Algeria, round the coasts of Corsica 
and Hyeres, and in certain lakes or salt pools adjacent to the 
Mediterranean. 
The only difficulty is in the transplanting of the sponges 
from Syria into Algeria or France. The temperature and 
composition of the water is favourable, and the change north- 
ward would be in favour of the quality of the sponge. As 
regards the removal, he remarks that a man properly equipped 
and supplied with air can be put into free communication under 
water with the objects that surround him. He can select 
the most suitable blocks of stone on which sponges are 
growing, place them in boxes pierced with holes, and tow 
these to the coasts where he wishes to place them. Certainly, 
in the following year, the sponges would propagate in their 
new country. 
The gemmules, or as he calls them the larvae, could be col- 
lected in great abundance in spring, and transported rapidly 
from Syria to Algeria. 
The Houvelles Annales de la Marine,^^ Paris, 1861, ap- 
proves of the above proposal. Should the French Govern- 
ment attempt to carry it out, we dwellers in more northern 
regions shall look with much interest to the results. 
For structure of sponges, see plate. 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE XII. 
Eigs. 1, 2, 3, 4. Spicules of the skeleton ; 5. Defensive spicules ; 6. Spicules 
of membranes ; 7. Eetentive spicules ; 8 and 9. Membranous 
tissue; 10 and 11. Keratose fibrous tissue; 12. Fibre of Bahama 
sponge with embedded ova ; 13. Group of ova or gemmules ; 14. 
Large gemmule. 
* Bulletin de la Soci6t4 Imp4riale Zoologique dAcclimatation, 1861. 
