340 THE AQUARIAN NATURALIST. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 



CRUSTACEA. 



WE should certainly hesitate before advising a friend 

 possessed of a vivarium well stored with the more 

 delicate offspring of the sea, to introduce Crabs and 

 Lobsters among its inmates, the former more espe- 

 cially; indeed we should almost as soon think of 

 permitting the grunting tenantry of our pig-sty to 

 disport themselves upon a bed of tulips ; nevertheless, 

 in a capacious tank, associated with well-selected 

 companions, small specimens of these somewhat un- 

 ceremonious shell-fish, as they are generally called, 

 will be found by no means devoid of interest, and, 

 from many remarkable circumstances connected with 

 their history, will abundantly repay the little care 

 that is requiste for their preservation. 



The Crustacea generally are carnivorous, testifying 

 the same disposition which characterizes other carni- 

 vorous animals. They are fierce, cruel and rapacious, 

 devouring alive whatever creatures they can over- 

 power, and not even sparing their own species. The 

 voracity of many is excessive ; indeed they only cease 

 to feed from repletion. Their choice is almost indif- 

 ferent, provided animal matter can be obtained. 

 This, although half, or entirely putrid, is not rejected; 



