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HERMIT CRABS. 



defenceless, and which are forced to seek an 

 artificial defence in lieu of natural armour. These 

 creatures are generally called Hermit Crabs, 

 because each one lives a solitary life in his own 

 habitation, like Diogenes in his tub; and some- 

 times go by the name of Soldier Crabs, on 

 account of their very pugnacious habits. The 

 species here given is the Common Hermit Crab 

 {Paguriis Bernhardus), and the particular in- 



HERMIT CRAB. 



dividual is inhabiting a whelk-shell, a domicile 

 that is in great request when the creature grows 

 to any size. Hermit crabs may be found plenti- 

 fully on the coasts, of all sizes, and inhabiting all 

 kinds of shells, from the trochus to the whelk; 



