XVI INTRODUCTION. 



no crustacean lady or gentleman ever thinks of being 

 content with one, for the term of her or his natural 

 life j but as the external coverings become worn, and 

 feel uncomfortably circumscribed, a restlessness, and 

 yearning for variety is felt ; and, like Professor Owen, 

 their longings are for a new skeleton, and, like that 

 gifted anatomist, rest not, until one is obtained. Un- 

 like the page who, in a complete suit of armour, accom- 

 panied his noble master to the Holy Wars, and, as the 

 legend goes, returned after years of absence, a dwarf, 

 from having nothing else to wear, our friends are more 

 prolific in expedient, as will be seen by those who 

 investigate. 



