90 OUR CARCINOLOGICAL FRIENDS. 
fracture of the apex of the shell, under which ap- 
pears to be the most delicate part of the animal’s 
body, will generally effect an immédiate dislodge- 
ment, the terrified crab dropping from the aper- 
ture. With its progressive development in size the 
hermit requires frequent changes of abode, and its 
methods in securing a new habitation are among 
the most interesting of the special habits acquired 
by animals. The creature is very circumspect, and 
will make several reconnoissances before he feels 
fully satisfied with the size, manner, etc., of a pros- 
pective habitation, retiring after each visit to the 
old shell. The Rev. Mr. Lockwood thus graphi- 
cally describes the line of operations involved in 
house-hunting : 
“But the hermit grows, while the shell which he 
occupies does not. Hence, like many bipeds, he 
has his first of May, so he goes house-hunting. 
This must be understood literally. He finds a 
shell. Willitdo? First, then, is it really to let? 
He will inquire within. _ This he does, if not most 
courteously, very feelingly. Satisfied on this point, 
the next question is, will the house suit? He turns 
‘it over, then turns it round. You see, the weight 
of one’s house is quite an item in the reckoning to 
him who has to carry it on his back. One inspec- 
tion more. Howis itinside? Is it certainly empty 
and of the right size? Up goes one of the slender 
limbs of the second pair, and the interior is thor- 
oughly explored. All right! Just the house he is 
after. His mind is made up to move. Look at 
him! Quick! or you will miss it! Out comes the 
