56 Life Beneath the Waves. 



retired spot, proceeds to examine it tho- 

 roughly, both inside and out, thrusting his 

 arms and legs into it, and over it, as if 

 anxious to discover whether its dimensions 

 are likely to suit him. If not satisfied with 

 his examination, the Hermit pushes the 

 shell away; but if he considers it worthy 

 of a trial, he suddenly draws himself out of 

 his old house, and jerks his tail into the 

 new one with surprising rapidity; if the 

 new habitation prove comfortable, the 

 Hermit remains therein, but if not, he re- 

 turns to his old quarters as eagerly as he 

 quitted them. 



If the Hermit forsakes one shell without 

 making an attempt to enter another, it is 

 generally a sign that he is ill, and likely to 

 die. Occasionally his companions will allow 

 him to draw his last breath without moles- 

 tation, but more frequently the poor crea- 



