ITS PUGNACITY. 189 



bent and flattened joints of the oar-feet is so much 

 like that of a fiddler's elbow, as to have given rise to 

 a very widely adopted appellation of these Crabs, 

 among our marine populace. 



An old male of the Velvet Fiddler is a striking and 

 handsome Crab. His body generally is clothed with 

 a short velvety pile of a pale brown or diab hue, from 

 beneath which here and there shines out the glossy 

 deep black shell, especially where rubbed, as at the 

 edges. The feet, particularly the plates of the oars, 

 are conspicuously striped with black ; the large and 

 formidable claws are marked with bright scarlet and 

 azure, as are also the foot-jaws and face; while the 

 eyes are of the richest vermilion, projecting from 

 hollow black sockets. 



I said that he is a " striking" Crab ; and, though I 

 was quite innocent of a pun when I wrote the word, it 

 is characteristic in more senses than one. Both it and 

 its frequent companion, the Shore Crab, when appre- 

 hensive of assault, use the powerful claws, not to 

 seize, but to strike transversely, as a mower uses his 

 scythe ; and this action they perform viciously, and 

 with great force and effect. 



In the Aquarium the Velvet Fiddler was shy and 

 recluse. He at once slid into the most obscure recess 

 he could find, beneath the dark shadow of two pieces 

 of rock that formed an arch. For some days he re- 

 mained gloomily in his new castle ; but at length he 

 ventured out under the cover of night, and would 

 wander about the floor of the tank. But he never lost 

 his cautious suspicion, and the approach of the candle 

 was usually the signal for a rush back to his dark re- 



