EXPERIMENTAL LOB8TER-HAT0HEBY. 189 



together, sharply hitting the sides or roof of the hatchery, but 

 was invariably unsuccessful. 



At the end of the first week, when all the eggs were 

 hatched, I removed the parent lobster, for I feared she might 

 eat some of the larvae. Towards the tenth day of their free 

 existence the larvae gained considerably in strength, and scattered 

 all over the interior of the hatchery. 



During the whole time I had these young lobsters under 

 observation, they were of a delicate grass-green colour ; and, 

 being almost transparent, formed very instructive objects when 

 examined with a low magnifying power. 



The next matter was to supply these larvae with appropriate 

 food. As soon as I observed that the eggs were hatching, I 

 made extensive tow-net gatherings in the harbour ; and after 

 removing all medusae and young fish from each gathering I 

 turned the remainder into the hatchery ; and during most of the 

 time that I had these animals under observation I managed to 

 pursue this plan. There were, however, several consecutive 

 days during which it was impossible for me to venture out in my 

 canoe to make the necessary tow-net gatherings, owing to strong 

 winds from various quarters. Indeed, on more than one occasion, 

 the sea made a clean sweep over the hatchery ; but I found 

 when the weather moderated that the larvae had not seemingly 

 suffered by this rough treatment. 



For twenty seven days these young lobsters continued to 

 thrive, and increased in length from 7 m.m. to 1 cm. However, 

 on the morning of the 1 1th of August, I was astonished to find 

 only three larvae in the hatching, where on the previous after- 

 noon there had been some scores, and, on beaching it, I found a 

 small crevice about 15 cm. in length, and 4 m.m. in width at 

 one end : this space being formed by the unequal swelling of two 

 of the planks; and I have no doubt that the young lobsters 

 managed to find their way out at this point during the night. 



This opening was at once closed, and some slight repairs 

 were also made in the hatchery with a view to increase its 

 buoyancy. On the morning of the 20th of that month the 

 hatchery was replaced and again ready for experiments. 



