HOW THE PROCESS IS EFFECTED. 133 



ever seen a child take a rose-bud in his hands, and 

 force open its half-pouting blossom, in the belief 

 that by so doing he was assisting nature? If so, 

 you must have watched the puzzled expression of 

 the boy's countenance when he beheld the leaves 

 fall one by one at his feet, and the bud itself exhibit 

 evident signs of approaching decay. 



In just such a position did I stand with regard 

 to the poor Hermit-Crab, for, in spite of all my 

 care in manipulation, the skin of the animal was so 

 tender and delicate that the first gentle pinch caused 

 a puncture which proved fatal ; and as to drawing 

 off the covering, the thing I now believe to be 

 impossible, even under the most favourable cir- 

 cumstances. 



The upper portion of the Soldier-Crab, I may 

 mention, is cast off in one piece, while the animal is 

 seated in its turbinated dwelling. The act is per- 

 formed with the most perfect ease. Unlike the 

 Brachyura, the Anomoura do not exhibit signs of 

 such rapid growth immediately after exuviation, but 

 increase in size very gradually indeed. 



