RAMBLES OF 



resistible source of amusement to observe the air of spite 

 and vexation with which he spoke of the crabs ; the rats 

 he could shoot, poison, or drive off for a time with dogs. 

 But the crabs would not eat his poison, while sugar cane 

 was growing ; the dogs could only chase them into their 

 holes ; and if, in helpless irritation, he sometimes fired 

 his gun at a cluster of them, the shot only rattled over 

 their shells like hail against a window. It is truly desira- 

 ble that some summary mode of lessening their number 

 could be devised, and it is probable that this will be best 

 effected by poison, as it may be possible to obtain a bait 

 sufficiently attractive to ensnare them. Species of this 

 genus are found in various parts of our country, more 

 especially towards the south. About Cape May, our 

 friends may have excellent opportunities of testing the 

 truth of what is said of their swiftness and vigilance. 



The land crab, which is common to many of the West 

 India islands, is more generally known as the Jamaica 

 crab, because it has been most frequently described from 

 observation in that island. Wherever found, they all have 

 the habit of living, during great part of the year, in 

 the highlands, where they pass the day time, concealed 

 in huts, cavities, and under stones, and come out at night 

 for their food. They are remarkable for collecting in 

 vast bodies, and marching annually to the sea side, in 

 order to deposit their eggs in the sand ; and this accom- 

 plished, they return to their former abodes, if undisturbed. 

 They commence their march in the night, and move in 



