94 Proceedings. 



In Jersey occurs a curious family of boring Lobsters. 

 These are called respectively Axiiis stirhynchus, Gehia deltnra, 

 and Callumassa subterrmua. They are seldom found above 

 ground, but live in long tunnels in the sand or rock detritus. 

 It is remarkable that these species can only be obtained by 

 digging rapidly into the spot where there is indication of a 

 burrow, on the very edge of the rising tide ; in fact it is a 

 rule with aU burrowing Crustaceans and MoUusca that they 

 go deep as the tide ebbs, and rise to the surface of the sand- 

 beds when it flows ; and this is a good guide to the shore- 

 hunter, who may be too busily engaged to watch the turn of 

 the tide ; for I can speak for the coast of Jersey that when 

 these little burrowers begin to disturb the smooth surface of 

 the sand it is time to make tracks. 



These burrowing forms are armed with broad, massive 

 claws, and it is wonderful in how short a space of time they 

 can put themselves out of sight if placed on the wet sand. 

 There is another little group of rare crustaceans of this tribe 

 found in the luxuriant rock-pools of Jersey, comprising 

 Athanas nitescem and the Hippohjtes. These are lovely little 

 things about three-quarters of an inch in length, and of a 

 most gorgeous green and red. They live amongst the 

 brilliantly coloured Alga, and are wonderfully protected by 

 their resemblance to them in tint. 



Going fi-om the tropical rock-pools of Jersey to the muddy 

 estuary of the Thames we find some very interesting forms. 

 One, Pandalus annulicornis, is known as the Thames Ked 

 Shrimp, and is the one sold on the Gravesend boats. It is not 

 a Shrimp at all, but allied to the Prawns. It is a rapacious 

 feUow, and goes up the river on the tide ; and I daresay if 

 his admirers only knew what he devoured they would not 

 enjoy the dainty relish he affords when boiled. Another 

 aUied species, PaJamon varians, popularly known as the 

 Bunter, lives in the brackish-water ditches adjoining the 

 mouth of the river. It is a fairy-like form, and a favourite 

 food of many fish. 



I once saw a curious and fatal accident to a Shrimp, which 

 was caused entu-ely by its structure. The spines and points 



