and an internal, or a centripetal and a centrifugal. At the
smaller openings on the sponge's surface channels begin, which lead into
dilated spaces. In these, in turn, channels arise, which eventually
terminate in the large openings. Through these channels or canals
definite currents are constantly maintained, which are essential to the
life of the sponge. The currents enter through the small apertures and
emerge through the large ones.

The active part of the sponge, that is, the part concerned in nutrition
and growth, is a soft, fleshy mass, partly filling the meshes and lining
the canals. It consists largely of cells having different functions;
some utilized in the formation of the framework, some in digestion and
others in reproduction. Lining the dilated spaces into which different
canals lead are cells surmounted by whip-like processes. The motion of
these processes produces and maintains the water currents, which carry
the minute food products to the digestive cells in the same cavities.
Sponges multiply by the union of sexual product. Certain cells of the
fleshy pulp assume the character of ova, and others that of spermatozoa.
Fertilization takes place within the sponge. The fertilized eggs, which
are called larvae, pass out into the currents of the water, and, in the
course of twenty-four to forty-eight hours, they settle and become
attached to rocks and other hard substances, and in time develop into
mature sponges. The depth of the water in which sponges grow varies from
10 to 50 feet in Florida, but considerably more in the Mediterranean
Sea, the finer grades being found in the deepest water, having a
temperature of 50 to 57 degrees.

DON'T BE BURIED ALIVE.

From time to time we are horrified by learning that some person has been
buried alive, after assurances have been given of death. Under these
circumstances the opinion of a rising French physician upon the subject
becomes of world-wide interest, for since the tests which have been in
use for years have been found unreliable no means should be left untried
to prove beyond a doubt that life is actually extinct before conveying
our loved ones to the grave.

Dr. Martinot, as reported in the New York Journal, asserts that an
unfailing test may be made by producing a blister on the hand or foot of
the body by holding the flame of a candle to the same for a few seconds,
or until the blister is formed which will always occur. If the blister
contains any