CANCER BERNHARDUS, OR DIOGENES. 379 
Lucy. Are there many sorts of crabs 
that are used as food ? 
Mother, In proportion to the number 
of species, which amount to nearly two 
hundred, there are not many that are 
reckoned wholesome : the hermit crab, 
sometimes called cancer bernhardus, and 
sometimes cancer diogenes*, is said to be 
one of the best. It inhabits the woody 
shores of the Indian seas, and subsists on 
berries and other vegetable produce. I 
have heard that it gives a feeble cry 
when caught. This curious animal in- 
habits the deserted shells which lie on 
the shore, and generally chooses one a 
little larger than necessary, in order to 
Allow for its own growth. 
•^'^ Lucy, I suppose it merely sleeps in 
the shell at night ? 
Mother, No ; this little Diogenes also 
carries his house with him, and newei 
deserts the old shell till he has found a 
hew one more to his liking. 
* PlateXXV. ■.:'■ - • --^ 
