LOW LIFE IN THE SEA. 83 



where these fiddlers lived. Those mishaps were really en- 

 joyable — that is, to those who looked on. 



Rev. Samuel Lockwood. 



SEA-HERMITS AND THEIR HOMES. 



1. There is a group of crabs which has a curious habit, 

 made necessary ou account of the unprotected condition 

 of the hinder part of their bodies. This is entirely naked ; 

 hence these crabs occupy the empty shells of sea-snails, 

 winkles, and such univalves. It is called the hermit-crab, 

 or Pagurus. The most common species on the Atlantic 

 coast is the little hermit. A pair of nippers at the ex- 

 tremity of the tail, or naked abdomen, enables it to grip 

 the columella, or upper part of the inside of the shell that 

 it occupies, thus keeping itself snugly in place. As the 

 crab increases in size by growth, it has to change its home 

 for one more roomy ; and this leads to some remarkable 

 exhibitions of its instincts. The sight, which we have 

 often beheld, is one of exciting interest. Watch, now, if 

 you please. 



2. Here is a fat little hermit-crab, whose domicile, like 

 a strait-jacket, has become decidedly uncomfortable, and 

 he is somewhat distracted about it. He is out a house- 

 hunting — that is a literal fact. See, he has found an empty 

 shell. It is not so handsome as the one he now occupies, 

 but it is a little larger. Look, how he almost lifts it up 

 among his ten feet, every one of which is an interested 

 inspector, as each must bear its part in sustaining the 

 establishment. Now he rolls it round and round, all 

 over and over, delicately manipulating its sculpture occa- 

 sionally ; he is not only testing its specific gravity like a 

 philosopher, but also seems to have an eye to appearances. 



