MOULTING. 8J 



how it is possible that the inclosed claw, for instance, can 

 be so completely drawn out of the old covering, through the 

 narrow part by which it is attached to the body, so as to 

 leave the shell of the claw entire, and attached to the exuvia 

 of the body, in which state they are constantly found. The 

 new shell, however, is at first quite soft and membranaceous, 

 so that we may thereby account for this circumstance, with- 

 out adopting the opinion of the fisherman, that the lobster 

 pines so much before moulting, that the flesh of its large claw 

 is reduced to the size of a goose-quill, which enables it to draw 

 its parts through the joints and narrow passage next the 

 body. Still it is evident, that the forcing of the inclosed 

 claw, even if ever so soft, through so narrow a passage, must 

 be exceedingly painful. It is to Reaumur that we are in- 

 debted for our knowledge of the precise circumstances con- 

 nected with this curious phenomenon, that distinguished 

 author having imprisoned several crayfish about to moult, in 

 pots pierced with holes, placed in running water. It is said, 

 that it is easy to perceive when the period of moulting is 

 approaching, by pressing the backs of the animals, when the 

 shells yield readily to the pressure of the finger, not offering 

 that resistance which is common to them. The animals then 

 beat their legs with violence against each other, the body is 

 in a complete agitation, the membranes between the seg- 

 ments being greatly distended, so that the shell is raised 

 considerably from the abdomen, the membrane bursting 

 which connects them. By degrees, the entire shell and ex- 

 ternal covering is shed, and in the course of two or three 

 days, or even twenty-four hours, the new skin has acquired 

 a proper consistence. Another circumstance of a still more 

 remarkable nature occurs on these renewals, namely, the re- 

 production of the claws and legs when accidentally broken 

 off. In some species, indeed, the limbs are so slightly 



