HERMIT-CRAB AKD CLOAKLET. 237 



witness of its Creator's glory; but we must for the 

 present neglect them all (not without hope of another 

 meeting with some of them at least), in order to 

 devote a few moments to one group of remarkable 

 interest. 



It is that unaccountable association of diverse and 

 unrelated creatures, which, if we had not repeatedly seen 

 it, we should not believe ; the companionship of the 

 Hermit-crab with the beautiful Cloak- anemone. 



Every one is familiar with that impudent and in- 

 trusive species of Hermit-crab, 1 which, with its foxy- 

 brown head and legs protruding, rolls over shells and 

 pebbles with rattling patter, on almost every beach. 

 The species I speak of is quite distinct from that homely 

 and amusing subject. Though attaining a size fully 

 equal, its proportions are much slenderer and more ele- 

 gant ; and the colours, a light fawn, set off with soft 

 tints of azure, lilac, and scarlet, are far more beautiful 

 than those of its fellow ; not to speak of technical cha- 

 racters which abundantly distinguish the two. 



The companion of the Cloaklet, which bears the name 

 of Mr. Prideaux of Plymouth, who first made it known, 

 is exclusively a deep-water species. Found on various 

 parts of our coast, it invariably occurs in this associa- 



1 Pagurus ernhardus; so called, I presume, from Bernard, the monk, 

 in allusion to its passing its life in its cell : whence also "Hermit-crab." 



