/. 











THE C0M:\[0X rJYER CrtAYFiSH. 



(^ stacus JluviatiUs. ) 



This little crustacean is very abundant in many of tlie 

 rivers of England, although it is by no means as gene- 

 ral as might be anticipated from its habits and mode 

 of life. Eivulets and rivers in which clear streams 

 flow, are its favourite resort, and the holes amongst 

 the roots of trees, stones, or banks beneath the water, 

 form snug retreats for it. It is somewhat strange that 

 in the western portion of England, where running 

 streams abound, the fresh water Cray is (except by 

 name) unknown. Its food consists of animal sub- 

 stances, the spawn of fish, vegetable matter, the 

 larvse of water insects, &c. The rich scarlet colour 



