THE LAXD CRAB. 



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cealment in the inequalities of the ground or among any kind 

 of rubbish, where they lie, until the stars again invite them to 

 pursue their course. On their seaward journey, which they pro- 

 secute so eagerly that they suffer no opposition to deter them 

 from their purpose, they are in full vigour and tine condition, 

 and this is the time when they are caught in great numbers 



LAND CHAH 



for the table, their flesh being held in hig]i estimation ; but on 

 returning from the coast they are exhausted and unfit for use. . 

 Wherever the West Indian Land Crabs make their home, 

 their burrows are as thickly sown as those of a rabbit warren. 

 Concealed during the greater part of the day in these subter- 

 ranean abodes, they come out at night to feed, but are always 

 ready to scuttle back at the least alarm. Should, however, 

 their retreat be intercepted they show a bold front to the 



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