60 
FIRST BOOK. 
see that it is very short; it is turned under, and 
tucked closely in. Crabs have limbs only for 
walking. They do not swim like the lobsters. 
9. " At certain times a crab or lobster hides in 
some hole amongst the rocks, to cast off its shell ; 
and there it stays until the new shell hardens, to 
protect its soft body. 
10. " Of course you have heard of the land crabs. 
These live in boggy places, or else in cracks on 
the mountains. But once a year they march 
straight down to the shore, to let the water wash 
the eggs from their bodies. Then they go back 
at once to their homes on land." 
THE EARTHWORM. 
1. " Don't tread on me," the worm would say 
if it could speak. " I am very harmless, and do 
good in the world. The planter can tell you 
that I am of great use in helping to make the 
soil fit for his crops. 
2. '^I live in the dark ground, and make little 
tunnels wherever I bore my way. In very dry 
weather I go deep down where the soil is moist, 
for dry earth does not suit me. 
3. " Perhaps you wonder how a soft creature 
like me can bore through the firm ground. But 
you will know when you hear how I am formed. 
