CAPE SAN ANTONIO 177 



many days far away from salt water, and it is 

 a little perplexing to understand just how they 

 manage to get back again for deposit of their eggs 

 in the sea. The hermits are obliged to "move" 

 frequently, as their habitations do not grow with 

 them. Those coming from the sea usually occupy 

 marine shells but later they exchange them for 

 land-shells if such can be found of suitable dimen- 

 sions. The limit in size among the inland shells of 

 Cuba is found in Liguus and Ampullaria and these 

 are extensively used by them. They are relatively 

 very light in weight and probably are especially 

 desirable. The larger species of hermits, however, 

 must eventually content themselves with the more 

 ponderous marine shells of Strombus or Livona. 



However unnatural and makeshift in character 

 is the life of the terrestrial hermit, he nevertheless 

 has succeeded in making good in the competitive 

 struggle for existence. Although omnivorous in 

 habit, it seems strange that so handicapped a 

 creature can manage to find enough food on land. 

 The rustling sound of these hermits over the ground 

 tends to keep one's senses constantly alert, as it 

 unpleasantly suggests serpents gliding through 

 dry leaves. 



