C2 INLAND FISHERIES. 



their structure aud liabits are remarkably altered ; they are larg-er, 

 strong-er, exceeding-ly active, aud at ouce seek hidiug-places under 

 stoues, shells, etc., or actually burrow iu the saud. 



In the study of these stages several problems are presented : 



Habits and Growth. 



1. What changes in structure occur in the early development? 



2. What is the duration of the first three stag-es ? 



3. What are the g-eneral habits of life in the first four stages? 



Experiments in Lobster-Culture. 

 ♦ 



4. What is the best method of supplying- food ? 



5. What is the best means of protecting- the fry in the first 

 three stag-es? 



The solution of these problems would mean a g-reat advance in 

 the efficiency of g-eueral propagation of lobsters, and would be 

 the first step toward artificial lobster-culture. 



1. Wliat changes in styntcture occur during the early development f 

 — An excellent account of the structural changes from the e^g to 

 fourth moult is to l>e found in F. H. Herrick's monograph of the 

 lobster," and it will hardly be necessary to describe these in 

 detail in this place. The general appearance, size, etc., of the 

 various stages are, however, illustrated in the photographs (Figs, 

 5-8), and the drawings (Figs. 1-4) made after Herrick's figures. 

 These will give a more definite idea of the structural peculiari- 

 ties in the difierent stages. But a true appreciation of these in- 

 teresting youngsters can be had only by observing the beautiful 

 coloring- and droll antics of the creatures in life. 



Besides the difference in size there are certain other character- 

 istics which distinguish the various stages. In the first three 

 stages the body is always strongly bent, while in the fourth it is 

 usually straight. In each stage the large claws are carried in a 

 peculiar manner. At first they lie nearly parallel to the side of 



*F. H. Herrick, "The Aiperican Lobster," Bulletin of the U. S. Fish Commission for 1895. 



