PROCESS OF SHEDDDiTG. 79^ 



The length of time required for the hardening of the new shell has never been recorded fron 

 observation. The fishermen's statements regarding^ it disagree, but the hardening goes oi 

 probably more rapidly in warm weather than in cold, as in the case of the edible Crab. A carefa 

 observer at Wood's HoU, Massachusetts, says that the shell becomes quite firm in the course o 

 twenty-four hours. After three or four days it is supposed to be hard enough to enable th< 

 Lobster to go in search of food, but the hardening probably continues and the shell increases ir 

 thickness, even though it be very gradually, until the next shedding period. 



A short time before shedding, the Lobster is said to be very full of meat and in the besi 

 possible condition for eating. This would seem to result naturally from the increased quantity o 

 flesh which must accumulate within the shell preparatory to the Lobster's assuming a larger size 

 While shedding, but more especially while in the soft state, after the Lobster has expanded tc 

 its new size, the flesh is considered by most people as unpalatable, although it is probably as 

 harmless then as at any time. The fishermen abhor soft Lobsters as a rule, and would not ea1 

 them under any circumstances, but customers are occasionally found. One fisherman correspond 

 ent very aptly expressed his dislike for them in the following terms : " They are sometimes eater 

 by aristocrats, but never by us." It seems very strange that soft Lobsters should be so unfavor 

 ably regarded, when we consider that the edible Crab is in its best condition just after shedding 



The female Lobster probably casts its shell soon after its spawn is hatched. The eggs ar* 

 attached so firmly to the swimmerets that they remain hanging to them even after the young hav« 

 gone forth, and there is no other way of getting rid of this great encumbrance to the abdomer 

 than by shedding. This occurrence has been frequently observed in other species of Crustacea 

 and probably happens in the case of the Lobster. In fact, we have numerous recorded instances 

 of female Lobsters bearing spawn nearly ready to hatch, and with the new shell in process o: 

 formation. It is the common belief of lobstermen that Lobsters which have lost a claw, or beer 

 seriously maimed in any way, do not shed until after the injury has been repaired. 



Prof. Gr. O. Sars describes the process of shedding with the European Lobster, Homarus vul 

 garis, as follows : 



" The process of changing its skin is very tedious and dangerous for the Lobster, which maj 

 be imagined when it is known that not only the outer shell is changed, but even some of th( 

 inner parts, e.g., the stomach-bag. The process occupies considerable time, and while it is goin| 

 on the Lobster is sick and utterly unable to escape from its enemies or to defend itself againsi 

 them. It is therefore but natural that under such circumstances it very easily dies in the traps 

 Even after the change of shell is over the Lobster remains weak for some time. It therefore 

 hides among the stones at the bottom of the sea, and remains there until the new shell has become 

 suflciently hard and its strength has returned. 



" The earliest changing of shell which I observed during my journey was in the first part o 

 July, near Tananger. I here had an opportunity of observing a Lobster engaged in this process 

 It had just been taken out of a lobster-box, and could be handled without offering the least resist 

 ance. The shell on the back was burst in the middle, and the tail and the feet were nearly all ou 

 of the old shell, while the largest claw only stuck out half its length. This latter portion of th< 

 change of shell is evidently very dangerous, and, although I observed it for quite a while, I coulc 

 see little or no progress. It is certainly a. painful and dangerous process, and probably many i 

 Lobster loses its life at such times. Immediately after casting its shell the Lobster is lean anc 

 miserable, and only obtains its proper condition after the lapse of considerable time. According 

 to my observations, the change of shell takes place chiefly during the month of July. It certainly 

 happens that some change later, but by far the larger number appear to shed during that month.' 



