56 
HISTORY OF BRITISH CRUSTACEA. 
One room contains them, and the partners dwell 
Beneath the conves of one sloping shell ; 
Deep in the wat’ry vast the comrades rove, 
And mutual interest binds their mutual love ; 
That wiser friend the lucky juncture tells, 
When in the gaping circuit of his shells 
Fish wandering enter ; then the bearded guide 
Warns the dull mate, and pricks his tender side ; 
He knows the hint, nor at the treatment grieves. 
But hugs th’ advantage and the pain forgives ; 
His closing shells the Pinna sudden joins. 
And Twixt the pressing sides the prey confines. 
Thus fed by mutual aid, the friendly pair 
Divide their gains, and all the plunder share . 55 
Dam. GONOPLACIDM , M. Edw. 
Carapace rhomb oi dal, its front margin and sides forming 
continuous lines. Front very wide, occupying generally a 
third of the length of fore margin. Outer antennae hori- 
zontal, and lodged beneath the front. Eye-stalks very long. 
Abdomen of male with second joint narrower than corre- 
sponding portion of sternal plate. 
The species of this family appear to be restricted to the 
seas of the Old World ; but one species is found in our seas; 
this however is a well-marked member of the family. 
