278 SEASIDE DIVINITY. 



with the power of performing it with perfect 

 facility. 



We are indebted to the celebrated naturalist, 

 Reaumur, for an account of the manner in which 

 the cray- fish or fresh-water lobster throws off its 

 shell prior to obtaining a new suit of armour. 

 The animal retires to its hole so as to be free 

 from danger and interruption, and remains for 

 several days without food. During the period it 

 is probable it becomes more or less attenuated 

 while a new skin is in the act of forming under 

 the shell. Observing that a cray-fish was about 

 to moult, Eeaumur carefully observed the method 

 in which the action was performed. The animal 

 commenced by rubbing his feet together and 

 struggling violently, as if by its contortions to 

 loosen the shell. It then appeared to distend its 

 body, upon which the first segment of the shell 

 of the abdomen separated from that of the 

 thorax, the membrane which united these portions 

 of the crust then burst asunder, and the new 

 body appeared beneath. After resting awhile, 

 the cray-fish repeated the process till all the pieces 

 of the armour were separated and cast off, and so 

 completely that in the exuviae no external part 

 was found wanting. How the large muscles of 

 the claws were to be freed from their covering 

 seemed the most insoluble part of the problem ; 

 but this was also effected without difficulty, the 

 sutures dividing, the articulations having opened, 

 allowing the soft muscles to be withdrawn. Every 

 part of the shell is at last thrown off, the muscles 



