VORACITY OF THE LOBSTER. 259 



entire and attached to the shell of the body. The fishermen 

 say that previous to this operation the lobster pines away 

 till the flesh in its claw is no thicker than the qnill of a 

 goose, which enables it to draw its parts through the joints 

 and narrow passage near the trunk. The new shell hardens 

 by degrees. 



It is supposed that the lobster becomes reproductive at 

 the age of five years. Lobsters are very voracious; they 

 are also full of fighting propensities, and have frequent 

 combats among themselves, in which limbs are often lost ; 

 but the limb is soon replaced by the growth of a new one, 

 rather smaller than the old one. In the water lobsters can 

 run nimbly on their legs or small claws, and if alarmed, can 

 spring tail foremost to a surprising distance as swift as a 

 bird can fly. Fishermen can see them pass about thirty 

 feet, and, by the swiftness of their motion, suppose they may 

 go much farther. When frightened, they will spring from 

 a considerable distance to their hold in the rocks, and will 

 force their way into an entrance barely sufficient for their 

 bodies to pass. 



Like some of the crabs, lobsters are said to be attached 

 to particular parts of the sea. 



** In shelly armor wrapt, tlie lobsters seek 

 Safe shelter in some bay or winding creek ; 

 To rocky chasms the dusky natives cleave, 

 Tenacious hold, nor will the dwelling leave, 

 Nought like their home the constant lobsters prize, 

 And foreign shores and seas unknown despise. 

 Though cruel hands the banished wretch expel, 

 And force the captive from his native cell, 

 He will, if freed, return with anxious care, 

 Find the known rock, and to his home repair." 



In some parts of Europe the fishermen endeavor, by mak- 

 ing violent noises, to drive the fish into theirnets; but these 

 are so cunning, that when surrounded by the net, the whole 



