OF FI8HI-.S. 
249 
SOLDIER CRAB. 
This curious animal bears some resem- 
blance to the lobster, if divested of its shell. 
It is usually about four inches long, has no 
shell behind, but is covered down to the tail 
with a rough skin, terminating in a point. It 
is armed with strong hard nippers before, 
like the lobster; and one of them is as thick 
us a man’s thumb, and pinches most power- 
fully. As it has no shell to any part but its 
nippers, it takes possession of the deserted 
shell of some other animal, such as the 
wilk, &c., and resides in it till, by growing 
too large for its habitation, it is compelled to 
change. It is a native of the West Indies, 
but. is frequently found in the English chan- 
nel. It deposits its spawn every year by the 
sea shore. 
