156 
HISTORY OF BRITISH CRUSTACEA. 
in 1856, told me of two living specimens which had been 
taken at Herin and Jethou. On the French coast it does 
not appear that this is a very rare species. 
Dr. Lukis* has published the following observations on 
the habits of a specimen which he kept alive in a basin 
of sea-w T ater for two days. “ It sported about, and, after 
a first approach, exhibited a boldness rather unexpected. 
When first alarmed, it sprang backwards with great velo- 
city; after which it placed itself in a menacing attitude 
which would rather have excited the fear of exposing the 
hand to it. The prominent appearance of the eyes, their 
brilliancy and attentive watching, the feeling power of the 
long antennae, evinced quick apprehension and instinct. I 
brought a silver teaspoon near them, which was struck out 
of my hand with a suddenness and force* comparable to an 
electric shock : this blow was effected by the large arms, 
which were closed, and projected in an instant with the 
quickness of lightning. An apparent anxiety to keep the 
head and claws in front, made me suspect that the animal 
lodges its hinder part in holes or recesses, from which it 
can strike at its prey or other passing objects/* 
Squilla Mantis, Ttondelet, sp. — Fang of first pair of 
* Mag. of Nat. Hist. viii. p. 464. 
