----they preferre Broiles before Rest, and place their Peace in Warre. Du Bartas Ladies and Gentlemen, The Lobster is very similar to the scorpion. It is _armed_ with _two_ great _claws_, by the help of which it moves itself _forwards_. They _entrench_ themselves in places that can be easily defended, where they acquire defensive and offensive _armour_. They issue forth from their _fortresses_ in hope of _plunder_, and to surprise such inadvertent and weak animals as come within their reach. They have little to apprehend except from each other, the more powerful being formidable enemies to the weaker. They sometimes continue in the same habitations for a long time together; in general they get _new coats once a year_. When in _hot water_ they make a great noise, attack any one that puts a hand towards them, and knowing their danger, use violent efforts to escape. In a sufficient heat they _change their colours_.* * Goldsmith, v. 163. [Illustration: 105] {098} [Illustration: 106] A PRIME CRUTCH.-- (From the Westminster Infirmary--Upper Ward). He fondly 'imitates' that wondrous Lad, That durst assay the sun's bright flaming team; Spite of whose feeble hands, the horses mad Fling down on burning earth the scorching beam;-- So made _the flame in which himself wasfired_; The World the bonfire was--_when_ he _expired!_* Like him of Ephesus, he had what he desired. Fletcher's Purple Island. * The 'Lad' died in the midst of war, ejaculating heaven to save the country from the miseries of his system of misrule. {099} [Illustration: 107] THE OPOSSUM. Ladies and Gentlemen, This is a _quick climbing_ animal; but is, in other respects, _heavy_ and helpless. When it is pursued on _level ground_ and overtaken, it feigns itself dead, to deceive the hunters. A faculty in its _seat_, enables it to suspend itself from a high branch, by that part, for a long time together; and, in this position, watching for whatever is weak that comes within its reach, it falls upon it and usually destroys it. By this elevating power in its _nether end_, it not only seizes its prey more securely, but preserves itself from pursuers: looking down on them, in a sort of _upright_ position, heels upwards. It is very domesticated, but proves a disagreeable inmate, from its _scent_; which, however fragrant in _small_ quantities, is uniformly ungrateful when _copiously_ supplied. _It is a boroughing creature_. * * Goldsmith, iii. 322 Stedman Shaw's Zoology {100} [Illustration: 108] ----Knaves, who, in truth's despite, Can white to black transform, and black to white! Gifford's Juvenal, Sat. iii.