65S THE LOBSTER. 



when young and small it is found in the shells of the tops, peri- 

 winkles, and other small molluscs; and when it reaches full age it 

 takes possession of the whelk-shell and entirely fills its cavity. 



To see a Hermit-crab fitting itself with a new shell is a very ludicrous 

 sio-ht. The creature takes the shell among its feet, twirls it about with 

 wonderful rapidity, balances it as if to try its weight, probes it with the 

 long antennae, and perhaps tlirows it away. Sometimes, however, when 

 the preliminary investigations have proved satisfactory, it twists the 

 shell round until the tail falls into the opening, and then parades up 

 and down for a little while. Perhaps it may be satisfied, and after 

 twirling the shell about several times whisks into it with such speed 

 that the eye can scarcely follow its movements. Indeed, it seems 

 rather to be shot into the shell from some engine of propulsion than 

 to move voluntarily into the new habitation. When the number of 

 empty shells is great the Hermit is very fastidious, and will spend 

 many hours in settling into a new house. 



In all these creatures the larger claw is very much developed ; so that 

 when the crab has withdrawn into the shell, the claw lies over the en- 

 trance and closes it like a living door, which has the further advantage 

 of being used as an offensive weapon. The footstalks on which the eyes 

 are set are moderately long, stout, and jointed, and enable their pos- 

 sessor to see in all directions. 



We next take the second great division of the Crustacese — namely, 

 those which have long and powerful tails. The Lobsters and Shrimps 

 are examples of these creatures. In swimming rapidly through the 

 water the tail is the organ of propulsion which is employed, and a 

 glance at its form will soon explain its use. 



We now come to the family of the Astacidse, which includes two 

 well-known and very similar creatures, the fresh-water Cray-fish and 

 the salt-water Lobster. The general shape and appearance of the 

 Lobster is too well known to need any description. The vast num- 

 bers of Lobsters which are annually 

 brought to the London markets are 

 largely supplied from Norway, although 

 there are many parts of our own coasts 

 where these creatures can be taken plen- 

 tifully. The Lobster is not much of a 

 ^^ rover, seldom straying far from the spot 



^^ '^""^ "' - on which it was hatched. 



The Lobster (Astacus gam- The Lobsters are caught in creels or 

 "*"'"'''^* pots, like the crabs, but with greater ease 



and economy, as they are very fond of meat, be it fresh or tainted, and 

 even if it should be putrefying will be attracted to it. 



Like many other crustaceans, the Lobster is a most combative ani- 



