Here they eat, fight, grow and change
their coats, just as the young Crabs do. They are now like their
parents. Sometimes they grow to be huge, and to weigh as much as
ten-and-a-half pounds.
The mother Lobster carries as many as thirty thousand eggs under her
body! Needless to say, a very, very few of this enormous family survive
the dangers of the sea. The rule there is--"Eat and be eaten!".
EXERCISES
1. What is a Crab larva like?
2. Give the names of four crustaceans.
3. Why does the Crab have to change its shell?
4. Why does it hide away at that time?
5. Of what use are Shore Crabs?
6. How are Lobsters caught?
[Illustration: THE LOBSTER.]
LESSON V.
SHRIMPS, PRAWNS AND BARNACLES.
In nearly every shore-pool you may see Shrimps and Prawns darting out of
sight, and, for every one you see, there are many more hidden away.
These delicate, transparent, lively creatures are not much like the
boiled Shrimps and Prawns of the fish-shop.
They are the prey of so many fish, crabs, and birds, that they have
learnt to "make themselves scarce." Have you ever watched them in a
glass tank, or aquarium? If so, you will know that it is not easy to see
them.
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