25 



but the motion of its legs was so slow, as 

 scarcely to be observed ; and though it worked 

 with the greatest assiduity both night and day, 

 it was more than a fortnight before it had com- 

 pleted its inhumation. 



How long an animal of this species may live 

 we cannot determine; but it is known, at least, 

 that their age may exceed a century. One of 

 them, introduced into the garden of Lam- 

 beth Palace, in the time of Archbishop Laud, 

 was living a hundred and twenty years after- 

 wards, and died at last rather from the neglect 

 of the gardener than from excessive age. 



The land tortoise forms an excellent article of 

 food, though it is scarcely ever employed for 

 that purpose, except in Greece. The eggs, 

 however, are eaten very commonly in Italy. 



THE SOLDIER, OR HERMIT-CRAB. 



It is very diverting to observe this animal 

 when about to change its shell, at which time it 

 is seen busily parading the shore, along that 

 line of pebbles and shells which is formed by 

 the extremes! wave. They crawl very fast with 



c 



