VOLUNTARY MUTILATION. 279 



being withdrawn even from the antennae, and the 

 case appears perfect and complete. This process, 

 so observed in the cray-fish, is probably similar 

 in all the other Crustacea. The change when 

 completed is followed like all violent muscular 

 action by reaction. The animal is wearied as 

 well as defenceless, and remains secluded in its 

 hole till its strength returns and its shell is 

 hardened. During this period it is quite in- 

 capable of capturing its prey. The whole shell 

 is soft, and even the pincers are as pliant as 

 parchment, so as to be unable to hold any object 

 requiring the exertion of strength. The larger 

 crabs when in this helpless condition may be 

 easily taken by the naked hand in their holes 

 among rocks at low water mark ; and it is some- 

 what amusing to insert one's finger within the 

 formidable looking forceps and observe the futile 

 effort the poor animal makes to seize upon the 

 aggressor. 



One of the most singular faculties possessed by 

 the crustaceans is the power of voluntary dis- 

 memberment. This faculty, however, is exercised 

 by other animals. There are some species of 

 lizards which on being alarmed, or even on being 

 touched, strike off a considerable portion of their 

 tails, and shuffle off apparently no worse for 

 the loss of the important appendage. Some 

 species of star-fishes have this faculty also : the 

 brittle star, as described in a former chapter, being 

 capable of separating itself into a great many 

 pieces. 



T 4 



