66 CHARACTER OF THE PARTANE. 



mcenas), or even the Velvet Swimming-Crab (Portunus 

 puber). Unlike these, it does not show any signs of a 

 vicious temper upon being handled, nor does it scamper 

 away in hot haste at the approach of a stranger. Its 

 nature, strange as the statement may appear to many 

 persons, seems timid, gentle, and fawn-like. 



On turning over a stone, you will perhaps perceive, 

 as I have often done, three or four specimens, and, 

 unless previously aware of the peculiarity of their 

 disposition, you will be surprised to see each little 

 fellow immediately fall upon his back, turn up the 

 whites of his eyes, and bring his arms or claws 

 together, 



4 As if praying dumbly, 

 Over his breast : ' 



making just such a silent appeal for mercy as 

 a pet spaniel does when expecting from his master 

 chastisement for some faux pas. One of these crabs 

 may be taken up and placed in the hand without 

 the slightest fear. It will not attempt to escape, 

 but will passively submit to be rolled about, and 

 closely examined at pleasure. Even when again 

 placed in its native element, minutes will sometimes 

 elapse before the little creature can muster up courage 

 to show his 'peepers/ and gradually unroll its body 

 and limbs from their painful contraction. 



Most writers on natural history entertain an opi- 

 nion totally at variance with my own in regard to 

 the poor Cancer pagurus, of whom we are speaking. 



