MACROURI. 203 



Here the whole body seems at first sight to be constructed after a 

 different model, and, together with the tail, divided after a different 

 fashion from that shewn by the Brachyuri. 



The first segment of the body, the carapace, still constitutes a shell 

 of very unequal proportions to the rest of the segments. All the parts 

 are distinctly divided, and usually bordered by a fringe. AntenniB, of 

 remarkable length, are also present. 



The transition from the Cancer to the Astacus is so great that we 

 naturally enquire Avhat is the medium of connexion. But I can find 

 none others equal to the Cancer Bcrnhardus or Hermit Crab, and the 

 Galathea or Bastard Lobster. 



A brief paragraph may be devoted to each. 



§ 1. Cancer Bernhardus, the Hermit Crab or Soldier. — Plate LIH., LTV. 



This is one of the creatures whose presence is most familiar to per- 

 sons frequenting the sea shore. Its singular habits, so unlike those of 

 the other tenants of the deep, never fail to attract attention, while at 

 the same time very much tend to perplex the spectator. 



Let him take advantage of the recess of the tide, at the proper 

 season and situation, he will be struck with beholding a number of turbi- 

 nated shells traversing the sand, as if of their own accord, in all direc- 

 tions, but after a fashion evidently different from what would be follow- 

 ed by the proper owners of the tenements. 



The nature of motion resulting from organic structure, every animal 

 unrestrained is distinguished by pecularities here. 



Many are of extremely small dimensions, some much larger, all 

 wandering about after their individual objects, though none are dis- 

 covered to be guided by any common impulse. Among them must be 

 distinguished, but most unequally distributed, shells quite entire, de- 

 faced, or defective. If the progress of these wandering subjects be dis- 

 turbed, its course is generally interrupted, and each of the shells is found 

 on examination to be occupied by a Hermit Crab. 



To comprehend the form of this animal it is necessaiy to deprive it 

 of its habitation. Then it is seen to be formed of two distinct portions, 



