338 



by some to present an insuperable obstacle to the culti- 

 vation of lobsters in quantities. Where, however, an abun- 

 dant supply of other food is forthcoming it will be found 

 that they prefer it to their own species ; and I need hardly 

 remark that cannibalism where animals are reduced to a 

 state of starvation is not, as a moral attribute, monopolised 

 by the Crustacea. 



Once reared through to the ambulatory condition the 

 little lobsters are fit for liberation in their native 

 element, and here care must be exercised in the choice of 

 the ground upon which they are turned out. That of a 

 flat sandy nature affording no shelter, and where they 

 would be speedily sought out and devoured by their 

 numerous enemies, should be avoided. Rocky ground, 

 which is their natural haunt and from whence, as is well 

 known, the most abundant supply of lobsters is derived, 

 is that on which they should be set free. Arriving 

 at the bottom of the water they will, as previously observed, 

 immediately seek for a suitable crevice wherein to hide 

 themselves, and this having been met with it is adopted as 

 their permanent abode, to which they will constantly re- 

 treat after their sorties in search of food, which are usually 

 made at night This selection by lobsters of a definite 

 dwelling place is a well-known circumstance to fishermen 

 and others practically acquainted with the habits of marine 

 animals. It may be cited as an additional encouragement 

 to those who may be tempted to embark upon the industry 

 of lobster culture, since the lobster being a sedentary or 

 home-staying type, those who sow the pasture lands of the 

 sea with this particular crop may likewise from the same 

 ground reasonably hope in the process of time to reap the 

 fruit of their labours. 



If the scheme here proposed of rearing both the eggs and 



