LAND-CRAB. 48S 



its young, and when compelled to descend into the flat country, 

 that it is taken. At that time, the natives wait for its descent in 

 eager expectation, and destroy thousands ; but, disregarding their 

 bodies, they only seek for that small spawn which lies on each side 

 of the stomach, within the shell, of about the thickness of a man's 

 thumb. They are much more valuable upon their return after 

 they have cast their shell ; for, being covered with a skin resem- 

 bling soft parchment, almost every part except the stomach may 

 be eaten. They are taken in the holes by feeling for them with an 

 instrument ; they are sought after by night, when on (heir journey, 

 by flambeaux. The instant the animal perceives itself attacked, it 

 throws itself on its back, and with its claws pinches most terribly 

 whatever it happens to fasten on. But the dextrous crab-catcher 

 takes them by the hinder legs, in such a manner that the nippers 

 cannot touch him, and thus he throws them into his bag. Some- 

 times also they are caught when they take refuge in the bottoms of 

 holes in rocks by the sea.side, by covering the mouth of the hole, 

 to prevent their getting out ; and then, soon after, the tide coming, 

 enters the hole, and the animal is found, upon its ebbing, drowned 

 in its retreat. These crabs are of various sizes, the largest about 

 six inches wide ; they walk side-ways like the sea.crab, and are 

 shaped like them : some are black, some yellow, some red, and 

 others variegated with red, white, and yellow, mixed. 



The light.coloured are reckoned best ; and when in full flesh, 

 are very well tasted. 



[PAi7. Trans, Fabricius. Gregory, 



2x2 



