Holopsamma lands

Hab. Marine.

Specimens very irregular in form, which is massive and more or less variably lobed, spreading horizontally while it rests upon a number of points over which it may be arched, so as to present an upper and a lower surface. Consistence light, gritty, friable. Colour grey externally, orange yellowish or grey internally. Surface even, consisting both above and below of a dermal layer of sarcode more or less charged with foreign objects, which, being principally frag ­ mentary sponge-spicules, give it a white colour when dry. Pores in juxtaposition throughout the dermal layer, but chiefly on the upper surface. Vents numerous and large on the prominent parts, but chiefly on the lower surface. Struc ­ ture less coarse than that of the foregoing species, and therefore looser and lighter, being generally composed of much smaller grains of sand. Size variable.

Obs. Examined both in the wet and dried state. Designated from its comparatively light, not heavy, structure. Of this species also there arc several specimens, in most of which the sarcode internally is orange-yellow and more or less charged with ova of the same colour, but much deeper.

Loc. Port Phillip Heads, South Australia. Depth varying under 20 fath.