248 ASTACIDJS. 



first stage of the growth of the new limb is accomplished 

 before it acquires density ; but when the crust is rendered 

 firm, the nutrition no longer proceeds through the encasing 

 membrane ; which a slight motion of the limb lacerates, and 

 the leg extends to its natural position ; but it continues for 

 a long time of a much smaller size than the corresponding 

 one of full growth, sometimes also appearing as if dis- 

 torted, either from deficient nourishment, or from injury 

 received in its unprotected state." 



I have omitted from this interesting detail some specu- 

 lations of the observant author, and some statements 

 respecting which he himself speaks doubtfully ; and it 

 appears to me that it contains by far the most satisfactory 

 and most simple statements of this interesting fact that 

 have ever appeared. Although Mr. Couch's observations 

 were chiefly made upon brachyurous forms, there is no 

 doubt that the process is precisely similar in all the higher 

 forms of Crustacea. 



The reproduction of the lobster would be multitudinous, 

 were not the young destined to become, in myriads, the 

 prey of fish of various descriptions. 



The metamorphosis of this species has been examined 

 with care by several naturalists, and particularly by my 

 friend Mr. R. Q. Couch. The details, as far as they 

 belong to the general subject, will be found in the Intro- 

 duction. 



If the following statement, with which I have been fa- 

 voured by Mr. Peach, be correct, it proves that the at- 

 tachment of these creatures for their progeny does not 

 cease on the deposit of their spawn, but continues, in a 

 very pleasing and interesting manner, much longer than in 

 many animals of a higher grade of organization. 



" I have heard the fishermen of Goran Haven say that 



