ORDER CRUSTACEA HOMOBRANClll^. l'?! 



The Crab, in order to prepare for the extraordinary 

 change it is about to undergo, when shifting its shell, 

 chooses a close and well-secured retreat, in the cavities 

 of rocks, or under great stones, where it creeps in and 

 remains during the operation. The time of the year 

 when this occurs is about the beginning of the Summer, 

 at which time their food is in plenty, and their strength 

 and vigour in the highest perfection. But soon all their 

 activity ceases ; they are seen forsaking the open parts 

 of the deep, and seeking some retired situation among 

 the rocks, or some outlet where they may remain in 

 safety from the attacks of their enemies. For some 

 days before their change, the animal discontinues its 

 usual voraciousness ; it is no] longer seen laboriously 

 harrowing up the sand at the bottom, or fighting with 

 others of its kind, or hunting its prey ; it lies torpid and 

 motionless, as if in anxious expectation of the approach- 

 ing change. Just before casting its shell, it throws itself 

 upon its back, strikes its claws against each other, and 

 every limb seems to tremble ; its feelers are agitated, 

 and the whole body is in violent motion ; it then swells 

 itself in an unusual manner, and at last the shell is seen 

 beginning to divide at its junctures, particularly at those 

 of the belly, where it was before seemingly united. It 

 also seems turned inside out; and its stomach comes 

 away with its shell. After this, by the same operation, it 

 disengages itself of its claws, which burst at the joints ; 

 the animal, with a tremulous motion, casting ihem off, 

 as a man would kick off a boot that was too big for him. 



Thus, in a short time, this wonderful creature finds 

 itself at liberty ; but in so weak and enfeebled a state 

 that it continues for several hours motionless. Indeed, 

 so violent and painful is the operation, that many of 



