MALACOSTRACA. DECAPODA. 285 



but to turn the animal in his abode. We have seen 

 a small species very numerous on one of the little 

 Keys of the Florida Reef, dragging about the de- 

 serted shell of a Trochus, about an inch in height. 

 With their claws and first two pairs of feet pro- 

 truded, they run about very briskly ; but if alarmed, 

 they draw in their fore-parts, wrap one claw upon 

 the head, and the other upon that, and thus present 

 a strong barrier against outward violence, for it is 

 surprising to see how very snugly and compactly 

 the whole seems to lie, the smooth shelly surface 

 just filling the cavity. The Hermit shews fight, 

 however, sometimes, and can pinch pretty hard. 



A genus allied to these, Birgus, but not inhabit- 

 ing shells, is remarkable for its very singular pro- 

 pensity to climb trees. It is found in the Pacific 

 Islands, where in the night time it ascends the palm 

 trees to devour the cocoa-nuts. The species alluded 

 to (B. Latro) is of gigantic size, and of such strength 

 that if the animal has seized a stick in its claws, 

 a child may suspend itself from the end without 

 causing it to relinquish its hold. 



Palinurus* the Thorny Lobster. 



A genus remarkable for its large size and formid- 

 able appearance, being beset about the head, an- 

 tennae, and thorax, with bristling spines. It has 

 no pincers, the fore-feet terminating in a strong 

 simple claw, beset with bristles. Some species are 



* The name of jEneas's pilot. 



