274 the living animals of the world 
serrated spine in front of the head. Shrimps and 
prawns, of which several kinds are found off the 
Ikitish coasts, generally prefer shallow water, with 
a sandy bottom. In most of these the first two 
pairs of feet are divided to form a pair of pincers 
at the extremity; but in such small creatures this 
is easily overlooked, unless special attention is 
directed to it. It is different with the LOBSTERS 
and Crayfish, which much resemble shrimps in 
form, but are very much larger, and armed with a 
pair of very large pincer-like claws, in addition to 
the other legs. Lobsters live in the sea, in holes 
in the rocks, into which they dart backwards, and 
there protect themselves with only the head and 
claws projecting at the opening, ready to face any 
intruder. Crayfish, which are smaller, live in holes 
in the banks of brooks and rivers. There are many 
species, some of large size and bright colours. The 
Common Lobster is black when living, but other 
species are red, blue, or variegated. 
Sometimes, if we pick up a whelk-shell on the 
beach, we shall find it inhabited, not by a mollusc, 
but by a crab, with its legs and claws wedged 
together, so as to fill the aperture completely — 
one claw, much larger than the other, resting in 
front; and if we pull it out, we shall find that, 
though the front of its body and the legs and claws 
are hard, like those of an ordinary crab, it has a long, soft, fleshy tail, absolutely defenceless 
and unprotected. Crabs belonging to this curious section are called HERMIT-CR.A.BS, and protect 
themselves by taking possession of shells which they have either found empty or appropriated 
by the easy and economical process of devouring the owners. The few species found on the 
British coasts are all small, and more frequently noticed in whelk-shells than in any others ; 
but tropical species attain to 
a considerable size, and may 
sometimes be found in shells 
measuring 3 or 4 inches across 
at the opening. 
Crabs are distinguished 
from the lobsters by their 
compact form, and by having 
the short tail turned in under 
the body. There are a great 
number of species, differing 
much in size, shape, and 
appearance. One of the best 
known in England is the 
large Edible Crab, which may 
often be seen in fishmongers’ 
shops, and, unlike the lobster, 
does not change much in 
colour when boiled. Every 
visitor to the seaside must 
Photo by IVc P. Dando^ 6'.] \_Regent's Park 
SHRIMP 
4 ipecies whick plays an important part in the food-supply 
of London 
Photo by C. N. MavroyenQ 
[Smyrna 
FRESH-WATER CRAB 
In general appearance 'very similar to the common shore-crab 
