120 ANECDOTE. 



(1859), I, most happily for my own peace of mind, 

 did actually witness the entire process of exuviation 

 in a tolerably large specimen of the Common Shore 

 Crab. The animal in question, who was domiciled 

 in a crystal vase, or, in common language, a glass 

 tumbler, rendered himself a favourite from his con- 

 stant habit of poking part of his head and his entire 

 claw (he had got but one), out of the water whenever 

 he caught sight of me. Who could resist such a 

 powerful, though silent appeal to 'the generous im- 

 pulses of one's nature ' as this ? Certainly I could 

 not, and therefore, once a day at least, gave Master 

 Cancer the half of a newly-opened mussel, a tit-bit 

 that was greatly relished. He would sometimes get 

 a grip of the valve, and allow himself and the Myti- 

 lus to be entirely raised out of the water. Improv- 

 ing upon this, he would then partly finish his meal 

 while seated in my hand. On the morning of the 

 above mentioned eventful day, I gave the crab a 

 portion of a Pholas, but to my surprise, the heretofore 

 high-class dainty remained untouched. I was in 

 ecstasies ! for I felt morally certain that the grand 

 event, so long looked for, was soon to take place. 

 Consequently, I took out the crab, cleaned the 

 windows of his dwelling in order that I might the 

 better see what was going on within, treated him to 

 some fresh water, as well as a new frond of sea- weed, 

 and then again introduced my pet to his old apart- 

 ment. 



