222 FACTS ABOUT LOBSTERS. 



every two months, and afterwards about once every 

 three months, until, at some age as yet unknown, the 

 moulting process ceases, because the animal ceases to 

 grow. 



The hen-lobster, during the period of exuviation, is 

 guarded by the male ; and should one male be taken 

 away, another, before long, will be found in some myste- 

 rious manner to have replaced it. The lobster becomes 

 reproductive, it is said, at the age of five years. It is 

 found with eggs, or " in belly," to use the technical term, 

 all the year round. The best season for this crustacean 

 as an edible is from the middle of October till the be- 

 ginning of May. 



It was long disputed whether the lobster was able to 

 replace a broken limb, or to throw off at its pleasure one 

 which was so injured as to be useless; but that it pos- 

 sesses this twofold capacity is now a well-ascertained 

 fact. We have frequently met with lobsters which have 

 taken to themselves a new claw ; it may almost always 

 be detected by its comparative smallness. 



Besides the ordinary lobster the Homarus vulgaris 

 which is found on all the coasts of Great Britain, our 

 markets are supplied with the Norwegian (Nephrops Nor- 

 vegicus), which is distinguished by its kidney -shaped eyes 

 and its pale, flesh colour. The American Lobster (Hom- 

 arus A?nericanus) has very large claws. The Spiny 

 Lobster (Palinurus vulgaris), which is often found on 

 the southern coast, is better known, perhaps, as the 

 Sea Crayfish. Its body is encrusted with a number of 

 short spines. It has no claws or pincers, and its antennae 

 are of singular size. Some naturalists identify it with 

 the karabos of the Greeks and the locusta of the Romans. 



