254 PALINURUS. ORDER STOMAPODA. . 



of which the group is chiefly composed, are sufficiently well 

 known to need no description. We may notice, however, the 

 Palinurus, or Spiny Lobster, one of the largest animals in the 

 class ; which was known to the Romans under the name of 

 Locusta. This is distinguished by the very large size of its 

 lateral antenna ; which are beset, like the body, with sharp 

 points. The legs are all single-fingered ; not even those of the 

 first pair being furnished with pincers. This animal frequents 

 deep waters, especially off rocky shores ; and it only approaches 

 the coast at the return of spring, to deposit its eggs, which are 

 numerous, minute, and of a bright red colour. The common 

 English species not unfrequently weighs 12 or 14 Ibs., when 

 loaded with eggs. The Galathea, a genus somewhat allied to the 

 preceding, and of which two small specie% are common on our 

 own coasts, is remarkable on account of the vast numbers in 

 which it sometimes appears ; the Galathea gregaria having been 

 seen by Sir Joseph Banks, during his voyage round the world, 

 to accumulate in such multitudes, that the surface of the water 

 appeared as if saturated with blood. 



ORDER II. STOMAPODA. 



863. THE name of this Order is derived from the mode in 

 which the feet approach the mouth, in many of the animals 

 composing it ; not only the foot-jaws, but also part of the 

 thoracic extremities, being directed towards it (Fig. 588). The 

 number of legs is variable ; but there are generally from twelve 

 to sixteen, one or more pairs of the feet-jaws of the Macrourous 

 Decapods being here developed as true legs. The general 

 form of the body bears considerable resemblance to that of the 

 Cray-fish and its allies; the abdomen being much prolonged, 

 the tail-fin much expanded laterally, and the appendages beneath 

 the abdomen being developed and used as fin-feet. There are, 

 however, some considerable differences in their structure ; which 

 are quite sufficient to separate the Stomapods, as a distinct Order. 

 The branchiae, instead of being inclosed in a cavity beneath the 



