546 
LOBSTER. 
when the sea has that luminous appearance which 
is supposed to proceed from the Nereis noctiluca. 
In summer the lobsters are found near the shore, 
and thence to about six fathoms depth of water ; in 
winter they are seldom taken in less than twelve 
or fifteen fathoms. Like other insects, they are 
much more active and alert in warm weather than 
in cold. In the water they can run nimbly upon 
their legs or small claws, and, if alarmed, can 
spring tail foremost to a surprising distance, as 
swift as a bird can fly. The fishermen can see 
them pass about thirty feet, and, by the swiftness 
of their motion, suppose that they may go much 
further. Athenaeus remarks this circumstance, and 
says, that the incurvated lobsters will spring with 
the activity of dolphins. Their eyes are raised 
upon moveable bases; which enables them to see 
readily every way. When frightened they will 
spring from a considerable distance to their hold in 
the rock ; and, what is not less surprising than true, 
will throw themselves into their hold in that man- 
ner, through an entrance barely sufficient for their 
bodies to pass ; as is frequently seen by the people 
who endeavour to take them at Filey-bridge. In 
frosty weather, if any happen to be found near the 
shore, they are quite torpid and benumbed. A 
sizeable lobster is commonly from one pound to two 
in weight. There was one taken here this sum- 
mer # which weighed above four, and the fishermen 
* 1768. 
