NATURAL HISTORY 



477 



ASTACUS. 



Gammaru:?, the Lobster. 



The common LOBSTER is found in great abundance on our 

 coasts, usually in the clear rocky waters. The fishermen 

 take great numbers of lobsters in baskets made on the same 

 principle as those used for the capture of the crab. The 

 powerful tail of the lobsters enables them to spring through 

 a great distance if alarmed, and they have been seen to pass 

 nearly thirty feet. They direct their course with wonderful 

 accuracy, and can throw themselves through apertures hardly 

 larger than the size of their bodies : of course they spring tail 

 foremost. 



The grasp of the lobster's claw is so tight that to break 

 off the claws is often the only method of disengaging its 

 hold. 



Although enormous quantities are destroyed every year they 

 are so prolific that the supply never fails. 



The so-called lady's-fingers of the Lobster are its breathing 

 apparatus. 



