94 RAMBLES OF 



denly startled, on displaying their acquisitions, by 

 observing them to be actively endeavouring to escape ; 

 or, on introducing the hand into the reticule to pro- 

 duce a particularly fine specimen, to receive a smart 

 pinch from the claws of the little hermit. The in- 

 stant the shell is closely approached or touched, they 

 withdraw as deeply into the shell as possible, and the 

 small ones readily escape observation, but they soon 

 become impatient of captivity, and try to make off. 

 The species of this genus (pagurus) are very nume- 

 rous, and during the first part of their lives are all 

 aquatic ; that is, they are hatched in the little pools 

 about the margin of the sea, and remain there until 

 those that are destined to live on land are stout 

 enough to commence their travels. The hermit- 

 crabs, which are altogether aquatic, are by no means 

 so careful to choose the lightest and thinnest shells, 

 as the land troops. The aquatic soldiers may be 

 seen towing along shells of the most disproportionate 

 size j but their relatives, who travel over the hills by 

 moonlight, know that all unnecessary incumbrance 

 of weight should be avoided. They are as pugna- 

 cious and spiteful as any of the crustaceous class; 

 and when taken, or when they fall and jar them- 

 selves considerably, utter a chirping noise, which is 

 evidently an angry expression. They are ever ready 

 to bite with their claws, and the pinch of the larger 

 individuals is quite painful. It is said that, when 

 they are changing their shells, for the sake of ob- 

 taining more commodious coverings, they frequently 

 fight for possession, which may be true where two 



