A TALK ABOUT CRABS 
115 
not hesitate to steal the fish that the latter 
has secured for its own use, while, to add to 
its misdeeds, it will even drag the young birds 
from their homes and devour them. 
Of the hermit-crabs that pass their lives in 
the sea, several kinds are to he found in British 
waters. Only the front half of these creatures 
is protected by a growth of shell, the posterior 
portion of their anatomy being quite naked 
and soft. 
This state of affairs would naturally render 
them very vulnerable to the attacks of their 
foes were it not for the fact that they protect 
themselves by thrusting their tails into the 
empty shells of other creatures such as whelks 
or periwinkles, these sanctuaries being retained 
until the increasing bulk of the crustaceans 
renders it necessary for them to exchange 
their abodes for those of larger dimensions. 
Not content, however, with this method of 
outwitting their enemies, the crabs will often 
carry anemones upon their shells, the advantage 
of this association being of a very beneficial 
nature inasmuch as no fish will eat an anemone, 
but many will willingly dine upon the hermit 
—even including its shell. But if it is a choice 
between partaking of a two-course meal or 
of going without one, the fish chooses the 
latter alternative and the crab benefits accord- 
