Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-02-28

in regard to the productivity OF the grounds and
the comparative abundance of the different species
acquired for future publication. Experiments
were also commenced for the purpose of testing
the feasibility of Transporting sponges alive in
aquara. The experiments were successful, and
it is possible to transplant varieties of Turkish
sponges to waters.
The best grades of Turkish sponges have sold
for much as $50 a pound. Next in quality
is our "sheepswool" variety so-called because
of its texture Notwithstanding the fact that
the latter sells for much less, it is often pre-
ferred, for the toilet, to the Turkish article. Next
in order of value "velvet," "yellow,
'grass," and "glove" sponges. The vevets
scarce and vary in price The lowest grades of grass
SEES" and 'gloveS" sell for but few cents pound.
The range of marketable sponges is from ounce
to one pound apiece, but the small grades, such
we grow in our waters are the most popular.
Growing Sponges to Order
Some time ago Government biologists commenced in
the Florida grounds interesting experiments in
artificial sponge propagation. SpongeS cut up for
seed like potatoes and planted. The cuttings were
fastened to shallow water bottoms by wires sticks,
a favorite method being to skewer cuttings about
inch square rods of wood each bearing three plants
These were fastened to large boards and sunk, in
shallow water.
But not until lately did these experiments satisfy the
biologists. DR.. H. F. Moore, of the bureau of fisheries,
brought the tests successful issue and incidentally
invented the rootess sponge The root of the sponge
is its most vulnerable part At this point begins to
tear rooess sponge therefore, will far outlas the
common herd. DR.. Moore's method of artificial
growing is as follows:
Sponges are cut up into pieces two cubic inches in
volume. These are prepared with sharp knife, while
the sponge is alive, and each has at least face
covered by the original skin. A slit inch deep is
made lengthwise in each cutting, which is then placed
astride wire. The slit is then closed by piece of
aluminium wire Within week the cutting heals
around the suspension wire. The long wires strung
with the cuttings fastened to stakes driven into the
shallow sea bottom, about fifty feet apart The cut
tings are thus suspended free of the bottom. In eigh
months they attain twenty-five times their original
weight Where the experiments have best developed,
o. per cent of the cuttings have survived.
Whereas sponges allowed to grow naturally on the
bottom y where their roots are attached to rock
she'll are irregular in shape the root always occupy
ing generous spot the surface the articaly pro
pagated varieties growing perfectly round or egg
shaped and their roots are inside where the suspension
wire peneraes the heart Thus is obtained perfectly
regular ball or ellpsod with vulnerable point Such
a sponge of the sheepswool variety will last for years
with proper care The vevets, grasses, and gloves
are grown in the same manner Already firm engaged
in the sponge business has begun operations with the
new rootless sponge upon commercial scale