226 popular history of the aquarium. 



Crangon vulgaris. 



It is a curious habit of the Common Shrimp, and other 

 species, to burrow in the sand (which most of them resemble 

 in colour) , leaving only their eyes exposed, watching for prey. 

 For this reason they are called by the fishermen " Sand 

 Raisers." 



HOMARUS vulgaris. 



The Common Lohster is a splendid animal, as seen in the 

 tank. After moulting, all the purples and blues are rich 

 and deep, the specks bright, and the fringes clear. After a 

 time, however, the sporules of thread-like Confervm begin 

 to vegetate on the crust, till by degrees they become quite 

 a forest growing on his back, his claws, and even on his 

 antennae. This arises from his sluggishness, although he 

 does not let " the grass grow under liis feet." Finding a 

 dark hollow in some archway, the Lobster wiles away his 

 time, very seldom moving from his hiding-place ; and when 

 he does move out, it is like Birnam-wood coming to Dun- 

 sinane. When the Lobster is about to moult he is still 

 more retired in his habits than before, and ceases even to 

 feed. The process of exuviation has been already described. 

 Several specimens of cast shells are exhibited at the Zoolo- 



