ALG^. 
81 
them in a cup, which he filled with water, renewing it twice 
a -day. These bodies did not move, but (after they had 
lain for some time) a white opaque substance issued from 
the opening at their point, which glued the seed to the cup. 
This substance gradually increased, and overspread sometimes 
the mother body entirely, spreading itself, likewise, round 
about over all substances situated near it. At first, no traces 
of the Spongilla itself were seen, but only a white, thick, 
gelatinous matter ; but, on suffering this latter to become dry, 
a membrane of the sponge exhibited itself, and the holes could 
be seen which were formed by the interlacing of the fibres, as 
also the small points. The author now investigated, whether 
the germ-like bodies had converted themselves into the seed- 
like, and decided against it ; he thinks they are different 
reproductive organs, which he terms sporules and sporidia. 
He further enumerates observations respecting the movement 
of the germ-like bodies of other A Igce^ especially of Ectosperma 
clavata, as a confirmation of the plant-like nature of the 
Spongilla. He saw the currents about the germ-like sub- 
stances of the Spongilla, when they moved, but he did not 
observe cilia, as are found in real zoophytes ; he even considers 
these cilia as characteristic of animal beings. The movement 
of the germ-like bodies of the AlgcB he believes to originate 
in an endosmosis and exosmosis. He then enumerates other 
correspondences between the Spongilla and vegetables, as the 
similarity of the membrane, the gelatinous substance, the green 
chromule (chlorophyll), its behaviour in acids, and its develop- 
ment of gas in the light. He further speaks of the currents 
which flow from and into the cavities of the Spongilla, and 
attributes them, for the most part, to an animalcule of a green 
colour ; not entirely, but in some measure also, to endosmose 
and exosmose. The author then endeavours to refute Hu- 
jardin’s reasons for supposing the Spongilla to be of an 
animal nature ; and lastly, adds some remarks in favour of the 
vegetable nature of the Sea Sponges. 
The observations of the author deserve great attention. 
Many reasons given by him, in favour of the vegetable nature 
of the Spongilla and the Sponges in general, might certainly 
473 
