106 HOMES WITHOUT HANDS. 



sion for some little time after the connection with the body has 

 been severed, the enemy feels as much pain as if the crab were 

 still living ; and in the momentary confusion caused by the bite, 

 the crab takes the opportunity to conceal itself in some crevice. 

 As is the case with all crustaceans, it suffers but a temporary loss, 

 a new limb soon sprouting out, and taking the place of the dis- 

 carded member. 



Although these warrens are seldom less than a mile from the 

 sea and are often made at a distance of two or even three miles, 

 the Land Crabs are obliged to travel to the shore for the purpose 

 of depositing their eggs, which are attached to the lower surface 

 of the abdomen, and are washed off by the surf. Large numbers 

 of the crabs may be seen upon their journey, which they prose- 

 cute so eagerly that they suffer no opposition to deter them from 

 their purpose. This custom has probably given rise to the greatly 

 exaggerated tales that have been narrated respecting these crabs, 

 and their custom of scaling perpendicular walls rather than turn 

 aside from the direct line of their route. 



Twice in the year the Land Grabs become very fat and heavy, 

 and are then in the best condition for the table, their flesh being 

 peculiarly rich and loaded with fat. No one seems to be tired 

 of the Land Crab, and new-comers are apt to indulge in the novel 

 dainty to such an extent that their internal economy is sadly de- 

 ranged for some little time after the banquet. 



About the month of August the Land Crab is obliged to cast 

 its shell, and for that purpose retires to the burrow, which has 

 been well stocked with grass, leaves, and similar materials. It 

 then closes the entrance, and remains hidden until it has thrown 

 off its old shell, and indued its new suit, which is then very soft, 

 being little but a membranous skin, traversed by multitudinous 

 % vessels. At this time the crab is thought to be in the best condi- 

 tion for the table. Calcareous matter is rapidly deposited upon 

 the membrane, and in process of time the hew shell becomes even 

 harder and stronger than that which has been rejected. 



Many species of Land Crab are known, some of which possess 

 rather curious habits. The Fighting Crab {Oelasimus bellator), 

 is a good example of them. This species possesses one very large 

 and one very little claw, so that it looks as if a small man were 

 gifted with one arm of Hercules and the other of Tom Thumb. 

 As it runs along, with the wonderful speed which belongs to all 

 its kin, it holds the large claw in the air, and nods it continually, 



