388 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



to its artificial dwelling. The protection in the adult form of 

 this species is almost invariably the shell of the whelk, Buccinum 

 unclatum ; but from observation we can say that this covering is 

 by no means the safeguard that it is generally supposed to be. 

 We have noticed a number of these animals in a large aquarium 

 tank, where they throve fairly well, but although well fed they 

 they were always ready to devour each other whenever an oppor- 

 tunity occurred. A large and powerful Hermit Crab would, by 

 placing its smaller claw on the shell-abode and seizing its 

 opponent — or rather, unsuspecting prey — with tbe large forceps, 

 drag it out, transfer itself to the coveted shell, and seize its 

 defenceless victim all in apparently one movement, so rapid was 

 the robbery and murder can'ied out. Again, whenever a crab 

 was robbed of its shell, without being eaten also, it exhibited a 

 most pitiful terror, endeavouring to keep its head and forceps 

 towards its enemies, and seeking some corner or rock-crevice 

 for its temporary protection, but as soon as it saw an empty 

 shell within a safe distance it seized it and transferred its soft 

 abdominal segments to its friendly shelter with the rapidity of 

 thought. If, however, these animals have sufficient warning to 

 enable them to withdraw into their shelter, it is simply impossible 

 to extract them by force. When used for bait, for which purpose 

 it is largely taken, the whelk-shell is broken, and it is extracted 

 in that way. 



The colour of P. Bernhardus is a yellowish or brownish red. 



The ova are of a pale greenish yellow, somewhat oval in 

 shape, and are attached in groups to the pseudo-swimmerets of 

 the female by rather strong viscid ligatures. 



It is a common species and widely distributed, but varies much 

 in size in different localities, those from the deeper parts of the 

 North Sea being very large. 



Pagurus Prideauxii, Leach. 

 As Prof. Bell remarks, in his work, this species resembles the 

 foregoing in many respects ; still there are points of strong 

 specific difference, as well as other easy means of identification, 

 to which we shall refer. Its chief specific characteristics are as 

 follows : — Anterior portion of carapace more level than that of 

 P. Bernhardus ; superior as well as ambulatory feet less tuber- 

 culated, the latter being nearly smooth ; eyes rather more 



