PREFACE. VU 



Crustacean scavengers, Crabs, Lobsters, and Prawns, from 

 the Hermit in his movable cell, to the Common Shrimp 

 burrowing and skipping in the sand, present a strange 

 variety of facts, in their premature changes, their periodical 

 exuviations, and their manner of feeding and living. Mol- 

 lusca and Fishes have not yet been studied as they will be : 

 but a few notices of tliem are presented ; such as those of 

 the habits of the Nest-building Stickleback, and the Peri- 

 winkle with his rasping tongue. 



The fresh-water department will afford many pleasing 

 although familiar details, in the metamorphoses, exuvia- 

 tions, and general habits of Frogs, Newts, Water Beetles, 

 and Water Tortoises ; with the wonderfully divisible Green 

 Hydra, and the Water Spider with his beautiful air-bell. 



The Writer can only hope that enough of pleasant matter 

 will be found to induce his readers to excuse the errors and 

 omissions of which he is but too conscious. 



PemhroTce Square, Kensington, 

 May, 1857. 



