260 
ON GRECIAN SPONGES. 
islands, seeking sponges. For the purpose of more easily dis" 
tinguishing the sponges at the bottom, they have a dish contain- 
ing fine sand and oil thoroughly mixed ; a portion of this being 
scattered upon the sea, spreads itself around, and forms a layer 
of extreme tenuity upon the surface, by which the transparency 
of the water is much increased ; they are now able to discern the 
bottom, which before was quite impossible. The naked diver, 
begirt with a strap, in which is placed a large and strong knife, 
now takes his place at the side of the vessel ; as soon as he espies 
a sponge, he dives to the bottom, cuts it loose, and holding it in 
his hand, reappears upon the mirror-like surface of the sea, and 
resumes his station. 
The sponges so obtained, are carried to some low and sandy 
beach, and there submitted to a cleansing and assorting process, 
in the following manner : Since they are covered, in the fresh 
state, with a slimy mass, they are first rubbed with fine sand, 
strung upon cords, and then subjected to the action of the sea, so 
that the movement of the water may separate as much as possible 
of the slimy matter, and the sponges in this way be cleansed. 
Afterward, when they have been exposed a long time in the sun, 
and frequently wet during that period with sea-water, they be- 
come whiter, and much improved in texture, while the gelatinous 
matter changes in its character, and by rubbing with sand is 
readily removed. 
Thus prepared, they are assorted according to size and quality, 
Strung upon cords, sprinkled with water, and, as they are sold by 
weight, well charged with sand. If our information be correct, 
it is worthy of note, that the slimy envelope being full of ovules, 
a crop of sponges is produced wherever it becomes stationary. 
It is also said that the divers who endeavor to tear the sponges 
loose with their hands, frequently experience a burning sensation 
throughout the entire arm. — Central Blatt of April 7th, 1852, 
from Arch, der Pharm. 
