PERSONAL OBSERVATION. 119 



The reader will be prepared to learn that what I 

 had at first observed were portions of the exuvium, 

 which had by some means been distributed over the 

 tank. 



Marty months did I wait with nervous anxiety to 

 see the exact process of exuviation, but, except in 

 the instances I am now about to chronicle, my 

 wishes were never gratified. 



I had at one time in my possession six little vases, 

 each containing a crab measuring about one inch 

 across the back (carapace). By constant watchful- 

 ness, morning and evening, for several months, I 

 naturally entertained a confident hope of being 

 favoured with a sight of the moulting operation in 

 at least a single instance. But no ; persevering 

 though my endeavours were, I was always disap- 

 pointed. The exuviae were cast regularly enough, but 

 the crabs so managed matters, that the process was 

 completed either when I was asleep, or had just gone 

 away. I could almost have sworn that the whole 

 pack had entered into a league to annoy me. 



On one occasion I sat up all night, feeling confi- 

 dent, from symptoms which a certain Cancer Maenas 

 exhibited, that he was speedily about to exuviate. 

 Alas! I was mistaken. On my endeavouring to ex- 

 pedite the event by lifting up the carapace of the 

 crab, I received a nip on my finger so severe, that I 

 shall never forget it. 



But at length in the early portion of last year 



