Putnam.] 16 [May 5, 



The following papers were read : — 

 On some of the Habits of the Blind Crawfish, Cambarus 



PELLUCIDUS, AND THE REPRODUCTION OF LOST PARTS. By 



F. W. Putnam. 



During the first half of the month of November last, I collected a 

 number of the blind crawfish, Cambarus pellucidus, in the Mammoth 

 Cave. Many of the specimens were brought alive to Massachusetts, 

 and several still continue in good condition though they have eaten 

 very little since their capture. I have several times offered them 

 food in the shape of small bits of cooked meat and raw liver, crumbs 

 of bread, etc., but, though they have generally carried the morsels to 

 their jaws after long deliberation, they have, apparently, taken but a 

 few mouthfuls, and, discarding the substances, have not touched them 

 again. 



The specimens of Cambarus Bartonii, the eyed crawfish, collected 

 in the cave at the same time, on the contrary, are quite ready to eat 

 and at once seize any food offered to them. The difference in the 

 actions of the two species at such times is quite striking. The mo- 

 ment the w r ater in its jar is disturbed the eyed species rears itself 

 upon its tail, throws out its large claws, seizes the piece of meat, or 

 bread, and hastily conveying it to its mouth, generally holds on to 

 the morsel until it is all eaten, though sometimes this species will take 

 but a bite or two and then drop the food, and I do not think it will 

 touch the same piece again. 



The blind species, on the contrary, darts backward as soon as the 

 food is dropped into the water and then extends its antennae and 

 stands as if on the alert for danger. After a long while, sometimes 

 from fifteen to thirty minutes, it will cautiously crawl about the jar 

 with its antennas extended as if using them for the purpose of de- 

 tecting danger ahead. On approaching the piece of meat, and 

 before touching it, the animal gives a powerful backward jump and 

 remains quiet for a while. It then cautiously approaches again, and 

 sometimes will go through this performance three or four times 

 before it concludes to touch the article, and when it does touch it the 

 result is another backward jump. After another quiet time it again 

 approaches, perhaps only to jump back once more, but when it 

 finally concludes that it is safe to continue in the vicinity of the 



