2oG 



THE INHABITANTS OF THE SEA. 



fcially differs from it in the formation of its branchiae, which 

 float freely in the water, attached to the abdominal legs, holds 

 an equal rank in the estimation of the South Europeans. 



Crustaceans and Oysters. 



But of all crustaceans, none approaches the Lobster in delicacy 



of taste. This creature, the epi- 

 cure's delight, loves to dwell in the 

 deep clear waters along bold rocky 

 shores, where it is taken in wicker 

 baskets, or with small nets attached 

 to iron hoops. About two millions 



Spotted Mantis Crab. Qf lobsterg &T& annua H y imported, 



from Norway, although they are also found in great abundance 

 along the Scottish and Irish coasts. Thus, considering their high 

 price, they form a considerable article of trade ; and yet they 

 are far from equalling in importance the minute Herring-crab 

 {Cancer halecum), which, by forming the chief nourishment of 

 that invaluable fish, renders in an indirect way incalculable 

 services to man. 



The lobster breeds in the summer months, depositing many 

 thousands of eggs in the sand, and leaving them there to be 

 hatched by the sun. But few, as may easily be imagined, live 

 to attain a size befitting them to appear in red livery on our 

 tables. Like all crustaceans, the lobster casts its shell annually, 

 and with such perfection, that the discarded garment, with all 



