66 THE SEA-SHORE 



The green crab spends a great part of its life 

 out of the water, for its gills are made in such 

 a manner that they will keep moist for a very 

 long time. And as long as its gills are damp a 

 crab an breathe quite as easily on land as if it 

 were in the sea. It is very active, and if you go 

 down near the water's edge while the tide is com- 

 ing in you may often see it hunting sandhoppers 

 and even flies, creeping up to them very carefully 

 until it is only a few inches away, and then pounc- 

 ing upon them so suddenly that they have no 

 time to escape. And it is often very troublesome 

 to fishermen, for it will seize their bait with its 

 strong nippers, and pull it off the hooks before 

 a fish is able to take it. 



This crab is very easily kept in confinement, 

 and will soon become quite tame, so that it will 

 even come and take food from your fingers just 

 like a dog. But you must be careful to pile up 

 a few stones in the water in which you keep it, 

 so that it may sit upon them and take an airing 

 whenever it feels inclined. And it will even enjoy 

 an occasional run about the room. 



