. The popular natural history . Zoology. THE HEKMlT CRAB. 5^7 collection at the British Museum, where a number of oysters had affixed themselves to the shell, and consequently had been borne about with the crab in all Its peregrinations. We now arrive at the of the Portunidse, or Swimming Crabs, which may be recognized by the constn,iciion ot the last pair of ),-et, winch are flattened sid^iways, anJ have the Usi joint dilated into a thin oblique plate, which anS'vers as an o ir or a tin, and enables thi creature to propel itself through the water. Tne first e\ miple of this family is
. The popular natural history . Zoology. THE HEKMlT CRAB. 5^7 collection at the British Museum, where a number of oysters had affixed themselves to the shell, and consequently had been borne about with the crab in all Its peregrinations. We now arrive at the of the Portunidse, or Swimming Crabs, which may be recognized by the constn,iciion ot the last pair of ),-et, winch are flattened sid^iways, anJ have the Usi joint dilated into a thin oblique plate, which anS'vers as an o ir or a tin, and enables thi creature to propel itself through the water. Tne first e\ miple of this family is the tiREEN or SHORE Crab, so familiar to evervone whu has passed even an hour on the coast between the time of high an J low water. Although one of the c oinmonest of our native crustaceans, it is at the same tune one of the most interesting, and, owing to its diurnal habits, ili fearless nature, and its love lor the shallow waters, it is very easily observed, i have spent many a pleasant hour in watch- ing the habits of this little creature, and could hardly have imagined the activity, the piercing sight, and the cleverness withuhich this crab is endowed. The NlPPEH Crab is a really wonderful swimmer, being able, accoiding to Mr. Couch's account, to as-end to the surface of the sea, and to pursue its prey through the waters. So well does this creatuie swim, and so voracious is its appetite, that it captures and eats even the s•^iftest sea-hsh, having been known to pounce upon the mackerel and the pollack. Its method of proceeding seems to be to dart upon its piey, grasp it tirmly w ih its sharply pointed and powerful claws, and letain its hold until the unfortunate victim is quite fati.;ued and falls an easy prey. We now airive at another family, called the Ocypodidse, or Swift footed Crabs, from their extraordinary speed, waich equals or even exceeds that of a man. The figure in the engraving represents the FIGHTING Crab, a creature whose name is well deserved. As the reade
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1884
