90 OUR CARCINOLOGICAL FRIENDS. 



fracture of the apex of the shell, under which ap- 

 pears to be the most delicate part of the animal's 

 body, will generally effect an immediate dislodge- 

 ment, the terrified crab dropping from the aper- 

 ture. With its progressive development in size the 

 hermit requires frequent changes of abode, and its 

 methods in securing a new habitation are among 

 the most interesting of the special habits acquired 

 by animals. The creature is very circumspect, and 

 will make several reconnoissances before he feels 

 fully satisfied with the size, manner, etc., of a pros- 

 pective habitation, retiring after each visit to the 

 old shell. The Rev. Mr. Lockvvood thus graphi- 

 cally describes the line of operations involved in 

 house-hunting : 



" But the hermit grows, while the shell which he 

 occupies does not. Hence, like many bipeds, he 

 has his first of May, so he goes house-hunting. 

 This must be understood literally. He finds a 

 shell. Will it do ? First, then, is it really to let ? 

 He will inquire within. This he does, if not most 

 courteously, very feelingly. Satisfied on this point, 

 the next question is, will the house suit ? He turns 

 it over, then turns it round. You see, the weight 

 of one's house is quite an item in the reckoning to 

 him who has to carry it on his back. One inspec- 

 tion more. How is it inside ? Is it certainly empty 

 and of the right size ? Up goes one of the slender 

 limbs of the second pair, and the interior is thor- 

 oughly explored. All right ! Just the house he is 

 after. His mind is made up to move. Look at 

 him ! Quick ! or you will miss it ! Out comes the 



