ORDER CRUSTACEA HOiMOBRANCHLE. 



127 



tremely dexterous in their mode of seizing them, so as 

 to avoid their nippers. 



The Hermit, or Soldier Crab, 

 (Paffurus hernhardns.) 



This sin<^ular species of Crab has obtained its name 

 from its habit of remaining, as it were, secluded, in any 

 empty shell, or hole of a rock, it may fancy. 



THE HERMIT CRAB, (Pnjunis bemhardus.) 



Tlie hinder part of its body, particularly the tail, being 

 .constantly secure from injury, lias its covering reduced 

 to almost a membranous state, while the tail, which 

 assists the other species in swimming, is almost oblite- 

 rated ; but in those which have chosen a shell for their 

 hermitage, some hook-like appendages are observed, 

 which enable them to maintain a secure hold of their 

 borrowed dwelling. When the body has grown too 

 large for the shell occupied by the animal, it is obliged 

 to seek another of a larger size. The numerous com- 

 bats they enter into when seeking a new dweUing, have 



