Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 February 1917 — The First Sponge Farm. [ARTICLE]

The First Sponge Farm.

Around the shores of an island off the west coast-of Florida has been established the first sponge farm In existence, it Is believed. It is estimated that 500.000 sponges are thus being cultivated. The method—is simple. Concrete disks, about ten inches in diameter, are sunk, the bits of sponge being first attached by a srpall piece of aluminium wire; this is to hold them in position as a safeguard against being washed away. One disk is planted or dropped for every square yard. Fully 80 per cent of the sponges planted mature. The water possesses sufficient nourishment for them, and, unlike other farming sponges require no cultivation during their growth. They may be left alone after planting until they are large enough to gather.