6 DUBLIN NATUKAJ. HISTOEY SOCIETY. 



mining the species when brought under view, such as I now exhibit ; 

 but when it is stated that a strand- worn carapace, in which the beauteous 

 markings which characterize the species were almost obliterated — when 

 the species was not even suspected to exist, and when I am perfectly 

 satisfied that M*Calla never saw the crab, not a specimen being in any 

 Irish collection — under these circumstances, his detecting the species, 

 with such meagre materials to assist him, demonstrates his great dis- 

 criminating powers. The carapace is placed in the Museum of the Royal 

 Dublin Society, where it can be seen. 



It may be held in remembrance that I read a paper before the Society 

 early in the session of 1854, giving an account of a dredging excursion 

 I made in that year to Roundstone and Birterbie Bays. I detailed the 

 reasons which induced me to take the course which led to the discovery 

 of the locality where the magnificent specimens of Pectunculus glycimeris 

 were obtained so abundantly. With those were associated Portunus 

 marmoreus, rivalling the Pectunculus in those exquisite markings which 

 so characterize that species, and excelling it by the graceful evolutions 

 and attitudes it assumed both in the water and on the deck of our ves- 

 sel. A more interesting object could not be witnessed. It was ob- 

 tained rather plentiftdly ; four or five specimens were captured in each 

 haul of the ^edge, and as I was highly favoured that year by fine 

 weather, these were rather frequent ; and I should say that I obtained 

 above one hundred in the course of the day. It is not necessary to al- 

 lude to the reason why I did not preserve some specimens ; probably I 

 was so occupied with the Pectunculi, and other rarities that came under 

 my notice, that I passed them over. I was aware of the great difficulty 

 in preserving the colours of the shell, so as to render them worthy of 

 a place in a museum, and this also tended to make me indifferent to 

 them. 



On my return to town I mentioned to several naturalists the fact of 

 my having obtained this hitherto rare crustacean ; and, although I can- 

 not say that I was actually doubted by any, still there can be no hesita- 

 tion in saying that the production of some specimens would have 

 strengthened their faith exceedingly. I proceeded to Roundstone last 

 July, in order to obtain the Portunus, and to ascertain whence M'Alla 

 procured the carapace. Never was there a better exemplification or 

 fiilfilment of the old adage — 



*' He who would not when he may, 

 When he would, he shall have nay." 



The very first day I went out we were overtaken by a gale, indeed, the 

 men called it a hurricane, which compelled us to put into the first shelter 

 we could reach. The next day was a dead calm, and so on for a fort- 

 night alternate storm and calm. One day, for an hour or two, I was 

 fortunate in having a favourable breeze, when I reached the Pectunculus 

 ground. During that time I obtained three specimens, and it was sig- 

 nificantly observed by one of the men, that it required the boat to be 

 under good way to catch the crabs, as it was only then they were 



