ABOUT LOBSTERS 21 



the body, leaving the claws virtually free from blood. With- 

 out this withdrawal and consequent shrinkage, it would be 

 impossible for the claw to be withdrawn without rupture. 

 The layer of skin which is to form the new shell begins to 

 take on its distinctive character before the old one is cast, 

 but does not harden to any extent. 



As molting approaches, the lobster becomes markedly 

 uneasy; the shell feels hollow, and the color of the joints 

 changes to deep red tints, clearly telling the experienced 

 lobsterman that the molt is imminent. This recognition is 

 important, as no customer wants to receive a rubbery, soft 

 lobster which may molt in transit (and very likely die). 



F. H. Herrick states, in The Natural History of the 

 American Lobster: 



When the lobster is approaching the critical point 

 of shedding, the back shell gapes away a quarter of an 

 inch or more from the tail. Through the wide chink 

 thus formed, the flesh can be seen glistening, giving it a 

 decided pinkish tinge. 



The lobster lies on its side and bends its body in 

 the shape of the letter V. Presently the old cuticle hold- 

 ing the two halves together begins to stretch, and slow 

 but sure pressure finally bursts the skin, revealing the 

 brilliant colors of the new shell. 



When this stage has been reached, the lobster be- 

 comes quiet for a few seconds and then resumes its task 

 with renewed vigor. The doubled-up fore part of the 

 body, with each effort of the animal, is more and more 

 withdrawn from the old shell. 



The solid part of its shell is unbroken, yet the two 

 halves of the shell bend as upon a hinge along a line 

 (from the beak to its after end) where the lime of the 

 shell has been absorbed. No part of the covering of 

 the large claws or of any of the legs has been split or 

 cracked. 



The solid part of the shell usually splits open as straight 

 and clean as though it had been cut with a knife. 



