208 CRUSTACEANS. 



During health and strength, however, the wonted position of the organs 

 is never so relaxed as to expose either the true form or dimensions 

 of the parts. As the thorax of the Crab clasps close to the breast, so 

 does the curvature of the Lobster's tail affect its real appearance, by 

 concealing the abdominal portion. Hence the body of the animal at 

 rest assumes an oval shape, as represented, Plate LV. fig. 1. 



The claws extend five inches ; and of equal length to them are the 

 external antennas ; all seated on the sides of a sharp, pointed rostrum. 

 Between the external and internal antennae are two prominent eyes, 

 sustained on short peduncles. Five fins, or flattened pieces, finely 

 fringed, compose the horizontal tail, one being in the middle with two 

 on each side. It will be observed, that while the tail of the Crab ter- 

 minates in a single triangular segment, that of the Lobster is composed 

 of five portions, fig. 2. Numerous spines are dispersed over this animal, 

 particularly on the claws and limbs, and on the margin of the shell. 

 Also the claws of some specimens are profusely invested by some small 

 tufts of brown hair, which are abundant on certain parts, and even reach 

 the sockets of the eyes. The claws of the large specimen represented 

 here were very hairy. Much of the hair rather resembled short bristles. 

 But this external feature is disguised by the colour ; for the shell on 

 cleansing proved to be red. 



Specimens are of extremely different aspect, owing to the variety 

 and interspersion of colour. Red is always predominant, with irregular, 

 cross, vivid, blue stripes, interspersed both on back and breast. The 

 inner portion of the eye, or that next the head, is blue. Young speci- 

 mens are often variegated red, and pure white. The blue colour seems 

 of latest acquisition. This creature feeds on mussel and other animal 

 substances ; but owing no doubt to the rude treatment received at the 

 hands of the fishermen, it is seldom obtained in a condition so vigorous 

 as to feed ; and indeed as many are presented dead as alive to the col- 

 lector. Not being purposely the objects of research, it is only by chance 

 that, when entangled in fishing-nets, they can be brought ashore. 



Their motion is singular and vehement, for they spring backwards 

 by the action of the unfolded tail. 



