BK AC ii vriM i.v; 



Tin- motions of tlio Cancer mttnas are lively, quick, and active. 

 Hut it dues not s\\ ini. In the natural ntnte, it constantly endeavours to 

 retreat, shunning th<- presence of man as an inveterate enemy. None of 

 our native species is alike littoral. The shore is almost as much the 

 place of its abode as the sea. Wherever rock, and weeds, and sand 

 abound, it is commonly present, ever seeking shelter in the fissures, or 

 under the *hrlvi, so that the body may be protected by some covering. 



llr.it anil hunger are the great incentives to action throughout the 

 trilir. I.ik.- insects, these creatures are wonderfully susceptible of cold. 

 A \ rv moderate degree of refrigeration will render the Cancer meena* 

 almost torpid, e\vn in MUUIIHT. 



But it is naturally the most restless animal imaginable, and con- 

 tinually prepared to escape from confinement. Specimens in captivity 

 must be therefore kept in vessels deeper than the stretch of their limbs, 

 otherwise they will contrive to crawl over the ledge. Nevertheless, 

 they are easily preserved ; adverting to change their element frequently, 

 always a few hours after having fed. 



The Cancer metnas feeds voraciously. No animal matter is rejected. 

 What is most convenient and acceptable to all its congenera also, is 

 mussel, which may be kept fresh a long time, though that seems no 

 great recommendation. This creature is not nice in the quality of its 

 sustenance. It feeds as promiscuously as any other, whether the sub- 

 stance be fresh or putrid ; nor, in time of scarcity, are some of the 

 algae and fuci refused. I have never seen any animal matter rejected, 

 fish or flesh, living or dead, and the quantity devoured is enormous. 

 But after a voracious meal, nothing is generally sought the succeeding 

 day ; and specimens can abstain entirely from food for several days, 

 without sensible injury ; during which time, they remain perfectly 

 tranquil. 



Should a mussel shell, or other bivalve, be split asunder, and the 

 half given to a specimen of the Cancer mcentu, it holds the valve in one 

 claw, and with the other picks out the contents, conveying the morsel 

 to its mouth as people employ their hands. The shell at length emptied, 



IB as clean as if cleansed artificially. 







