BEYEK'S NUT-CEAB. 235 



of a toad, the broad triangular pedipalps that fit so close 

 occasionally opening, like the folding- doors of a tiny 

 cabinet, and allowing the palpi to be thrust out to wipe 

 the minute eyes. The face, when examined with a lens 

 through the glass walls of the aquarium, has a most 

 funny expression, being singularly like that of an ancient 

 man. 



Like many marine animals, Elalia uses the hours of 

 the night as its chief season of activity. As long as 

 the candles are in the room, it remains pretty still, but 

 as soon as darkness reigns, it sets out on its travels. 

 Not indeed with the railway pace of some of its fellows 

 does our little ancient travel ; he is but a " slow 

 coach;" but he gropes about among the pebbles, and 

 is usually found the next morning, buried at some dis- 

 tance from the point where the previous evening had 

 left him. 1 



The little specimens before us appear to belong to 

 Elalia Bryerii. It is porcellaneous white, tinged with 

 pale scarlet. The little feet are painted scarlet on a 

 white ground, especially the swollen-jointed claws, 

 which are very gay, and under a lens show a marbled 

 pattern of rich scarlet. This little Crab has an unique 

 appearance, very attractive. Its motions are quick and 

 sudden mostly lateral, when alarmed ; but it is habi- 



1 Aquarium (2d Ed.), p- 154. 



