OBU8TA01AVI I \ : 



From the extraordinary natural di.-parity of size between tin- t\v.. 



some species, it would appear doubtful whether they disc!, 

 precisely the same function* as where both are more nearly of '-<iu.il 

 h and dimcn> 



Tin- Crustaceans generally an- carnivorous testifying the name dU- 



n which distinguishes other carnivorous animals. They an- i 

 cruel, and rapacious, devouring alive such creatures as they can . 

 power, nor even sparing their own species. The voracity of manv i- 

 exoessive, only ceasing to feed from repletion. Their choice is almost 

 indifferent, provided animal matter can be obtained. This, although 

 liali' or entirely putrid, is not rejected. Some marine vegetable* MM 

 consumed in periods of famine. 



These creatures are very patient of abstinence. After one copiou.- 



1. an. >t her within two days is seldom relished. 



A few genera confine themselves to terrestrial vegetable product* 

 to macerating wood or leaves exclusively. I have not observed that 

 tliev wen* as fierce as the rest. 



The food of many is unknown. Such as survived a conniderablc 

 time with me in that predicament were returned to their native abode*, 

 on finding that I could not ascertain what it ought to consist of. 



Some of the Crustaceans are of a most contentious nature. They 

 ire terriNe enemies to each other, and the deadly foes of animals weak- 1 

 than themselves. Hunger renders them bold and ravenous ; and were 

 they proportionally courageous, which is far from the case, the assault 

 t a few of the stronger species on people accidentally sunk in the sea 

 illicit prevent them from ever rising again. 



But they themselves have many inveterate enemies, as if to balance 

 i heir insatiable rapacity. Those of the sea, approaching the land, an- 

 exposed to a kind of universal persecution ; indeed, some particular 

 species might be included in the list, too large a one, of pertecuttd ani- 

 mals. 



The most fatal ravages on the Crustaceans are connnitt<-<l by the 

 Actinia, which mL'ht he accounted a very insignificant enemy. Se- 

 curely rivetted to the same spot, while numerous stragglers are round 



