THE LIFE OF CRUSTA 



CHAPTER I 



INTRODUCTORY 



TTVERYONE has some acquaintance with the 

 JL-rf animals that are grouped by naturalists under 

 the name Crustacea. The edible Crabs, Lobsters, 

 Prawns, and Shrimps, are at least superficially 

 familiar, either as brought to the table or as 

 displayed in the fishmonger's, and the most un- 

 observant of seaside visitors must have had his 

 attention attracted by living specimens of some of 

 the more obtrusive species, such as the common 

 Shore Crab. Many, however, will be surprised to 

 learn that the Barnacles coating the rocks on the 

 seashore, the Sand-hoppers of the beach, and the 

 Woodlice of our gardens, are members of the same 

 class. Still less is it suspected, by those who have 

 not given special attention to the subject, that the 

 living species of the group number many thousands, 

 presenting strange diversities of structure and habits, 

 and playing important parts in the general economy 

 of Nature. 



