196 



Dzi'i'l/crs of the Sea and Shore 



further observation would soon be impossible. I was 

 about to wade in to get the animal and place it in a 

 small pool on a higher level when it promptly disap- 

 peared with an oblique backward movement into the 

 sand. In spite of the fact that my acquaintance with 

 its ways was limited, this sudden action, coming at the 

 end of a long period of lethargy, anJ the further fact 



LADY CRAB. 



that I had as yet made no effort to disturb the creature, 

 struck me at the moment as being somewhat queer. 

 At the same time an equally puzzling performance 

 took place on the part of some small fishes hovering 

 in the vicinity. These — it was later that I learned 

 they were Mummichogs {Fiindiilus majalis) — darted 

 to the bottom and buried themselves, too, out of 

 sight. A suspicion crossed my mind. I had known 



