ITSTACEAN- 146 



ii-ually concomitant mi death ; the claws arc close, and the tail unfolded. 

 Thus, we may conjecture from its representation, what has been the 



if the sulijivt when delineated. There are other indication*. l>ut 

 unfortunately very seldom denoting animation. They almost invariably 

 |.ro\v it extinct. Nay. c vrtain authors of no mean repute have pointed 

 out the most MiituMe modes of destruction ! 



1 do not allinn, ho\\e\vr. that the preceding rule is infallible ; that 

 t here arc no exceptions. I liave even seen in two specimens of the same 

 species, tin- /'.rf/imix licit/us, dying in the same vessel, the claws of one 

 dosed, of the other open. 



Animals l>cing preserved in museums under the semblance of their 

 natural position, have afforded most of the figures published of the dif- 

 ferent species, whirh will account for the perpetuation of imperfections. 

 Their genuine representation, however, can be obtained only from vigo- 

 rous living specimens. 



To prevent sudden injury from the vitiated element, if a nhcll, or 

 other substance Bomeu hat elevated above the water, be kept in the vessel, 

 an isolated specimen may find a temporary retreat on it in safety. 



It is necessary, besides, to be very cautious regarding the disposition 

 of the dillereiit individuals, or the different Aperies associated together. 

 As some wage perpetual war both against each other and against stranger 

 species, they would defeat the issue of any experiment. If twelve or twenty 

 specimens of the Cancer iiurnas be committed to the some vessel, their 

 numbers daily diminish ; all are killed and devoured by their fellows, 

 until one alone remains victor. Dead or alive they arc equally accep- 

 table as food. Therefore, as we shall see, it is prudent, hi conducting our 

 -. to gorge the subjects abundantly, whereby they are dis- 

 armed. 



But, man is the grand destroyer of all living nature. No animated 

 tenant of the earth or of the waters is safe from his wanton cruelt \ . 

 whether exerc'iMil for pleasure or profit. 



:' the larger Crustacea, as crabs and lobsters, are eagerly 

 sought after as food, by the inhabitants of Great liritain and other coun- 

 tries ; and, for that purpose, a considerable traflic is carried on in both 



