REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF [NLAND FISHERIES. 63 



length are frequently found under stones along a rocky shore, 

 and sometimes are caught in traps, on sandy, muddy, or rocky 

 bottom ; they are often found also in the stomach of the cod and 

 dog-fish, at a long- distance from the shore. They are, therefore 

 of wide distribution, as far as the depth of water, character of 

 the bottom, and distance from shore is concerned. The lobsters 

 which have been raised at the house-boat of this commission have 

 furnished an excellent opportunity for observations upon the 

 habits of the animal during- this little-known period of life. The 

 hiding and burrowing habits which are taken up when the fourth 

 stage is reached continue to be characteristic of the lobster dur- 

 ing the adolescent period, and doubtless throughout life. In the 

 cars where they are confined, the young lobsters show a ready 

 appreciation of anything which will serve as a hiding place, such 

 as shells, stones, broken tile, or seaweed. There is also a marked 

 individuality among lobsters, which is displayed in their prefer- 

 ence for certain nooks, burrows, or other places of concealment, 

 and in the relative timidity or boldness in the matter of feeding 

 and of fighting. This factor can by no means be left out of ac- 

 count in an attempt to ascertain the rate of growth, age of matu- 

 rity, etc. Some individuals soon take the lead of the rest in point 

 of size, from the fact that they are more enterprising and get 

 more food, and once they acquire this advantage, they do not 

 give it up, but constantly menace the safety, and, indeed, the life, 

 of the less courageous individuals. The result is that, in every 

 instance where a considerable number of lobsters in the fourth 

 stage are put into a car and kept apparently under the same con- 

 ditions, a great difference in growth occurs, and after a few months 

 certain individuals are found to be twice the length of others. 



Some interesting- and important questions have arisen in regard 

 to the habits of the young lobsters during the winter season. Do 

 they, as is commonly supposed, migrate into deep water when the 

 cold weather comes on ? If so, would these migrations take them 

 outside our Bay ? Can they withstand the cold of winter, and the 

 freshened water of early spring ? The extent of such migrations, 



