380 APTERA. 
LuCy, Mamma, to what other Dio- 
genes do you alhide ? 
Mother, Diogenes was an ancient 
philosopher, who affected to despise, not 
only the luxuries, but all the comforts, 
of life ; and, amongst other singularities, 
chose to make a tub his abode, Avhich he 
constantly rolled about with him. 
Lucy, So then this crab is called Di- 
ogenes, because it carries its house with 
it? 
Mother, Just so; and when it has 
outgrown its house, it may be seen run- 
ning along the sea beach, and examining 
all the shells, and even trying them an ; 
till at length, finding one large enough 
for complete concealment, and light 
enough to be conveniently carried, it aban- 
dons its old tenement. 
Lucy, But if two crabs happened to 
fancy the same shell, how would they 
manage ? 
Mother, They would decide the point 
in dispute by a regular battle, striking 
and pinching each other with their claws 
