26 
As is the case with Scyramathta carpenteri (Norman), the 
female appears to rival the male in the size of the carapace and 
in the size and sharpness of its tabular elevations, while its 
chelipeds are comparatively short and slender. The finger in 
these has a rather peculiar bend, and its crenulation is closely 
adapted to that of the thumb. Both are slender. The pleon 
of the female is very large, and bulging with a crowd of eggs in 
specimens of very different sizes. The first segment is wider at 
the base than distally. The length of the segments increases 
from the second to the sixth inclusive, and the width increases 
from the second to the base of the sixth, the sides of which form 
a broad curve with the telson. The last three segments are much 
larger than those which precede, the sixth being the largest of all. 
The median lobe is proximal on the first two and the seventh, 
distal on the intervening segments, being much narrower than 
the lateral surfaces on all segments except the first and second. 
The long pleopods take a large share in closely investing 
the great globular mass of eggs, which are deep brownish red 
in spirit. 
Some of the specimens, especially the females, have the 
carapace overgrown with sponges that entirely disguise them, 
while the legs and distended pleon are left exposed. The legs 
of this species are so easily detached that, without special 
precautions, specimens that are perfect at the outset of a 
journey are almost sure to be mutilated in transit. 
Locality.—Cape Point, N. 50° E., 18} miles; depth, 180 
fathoms: bottom, green sand and black specks, hardish 
ground. Five separate station numbers are given for this 
locality, the crab being taken in some abundance at all the five 
stations. All the females are loaded with eggs. 
Since the above was in print, three additional specimens, 
all egg-laden females, have been sent me, from Cape Point, N. 
50° East, 185 miles. Depth, 180 fms. Bottom, green sand 
and black specks. These have a truly grotesque appearance, 
the superimposed sponge being in each case much larger than 
the crab. In allowing such towers of defence to grow upon 
their shoulders the crustaceans no doubt know their own 
business well enough, the protection being efficient and the 
burden in reality by no means heavy. 
Fam. Parthenopidae. 
1879. Parthenopinae, Miers, Journ. Linn. Soc., London, Vol. 
XIV., p. 668. 
1895. Parthenopinae, Alcock, Journ. Asiat. Soc., Bengal, Vol. 
SOUL oa beep ean 
