adult — because of a capacity to molt. With each 

 casting of the larval skin, the young crab also as- 

 sumed a slightly different shape, a shape approach- 

 ing that of the megalops, the well-known form 

 which marks the succeeding stage. I say "well- 

 known" because it was this peculiar crab form 

 when first discovered living free that deceived the 

 systematists into thinking it was a new-found 

 group of crustaceans, and gave it a generic name. 

 It was only after some enterprising naturalist 

 sought to keep a watch on its development that its 

 identity was learned. 



Owing to the necessity for frequent changes of 

 water to keep wholesome the dish containing Little 

 Jim, the exact number of moltings was difficult to 

 trace. It is probable, however, that these were 

 fewer than six. That individual progress might 

 more easily be followed, I had early removed its 

 companions to another receptacle, leaving the 

 larva alone in the dish; thus, by the end of two 

 weeks, I had found four discarded skins which I 

 could positively identify as coming from Little 

 Jim. 



In three weeks' time it had become a true mega- 

 lops. Now, curiously, in this second stage, it had 



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