CLASS IV. CRUSTACEA: ORDER 1. DECAPODA. 



609 



Oceans, is covered with the most grotesque ornaments. Ahnost every shore has its peculiar 

 species. On our coasts we have many kinds, as the Oystcr-CJruh, Mud-Crab, Sand-Crab, Edible 

 Crab, &c. The muUipUcity and variety of the species, have, in fact, led to the distribution of 

 the crabs in several families — that of the Canceridce, at the present day, including only those of 

 which the Common Crab of Europe, Cancer imguriis, is the type. These have the shell regu- 

 larly rounded in front and narrowed behind ; the legs are of moderate length, the claws large, and 

 often unequal in size. This species inhabits deep water, and is captured in large quantities by 

 sinking baskets, pots, or nets, baited with carrion, in places which it is known to frequent. Many 



other kinds are eaten in ditFerent parts of 



the world. 



THE PORTUNID^. 



The crabs of this family are nearly allied 

 to the Canceridce, and are sometimes called 

 Paddling Crabs. 



The Common Edible Crab of this coun- 

 try, Lupea dicantha, is found on our coast 

 from Florida to Cape Cod. These, like the 

 other crabs, cast their shells once a year. 

 The period in which they are sloughing 

 oft' is but two or three days, when the new 

 shells are speedily formed; but while the 

 crabs are thus naked, or the new covering 

 is tender, they are called Soft-shell Crabs, 

 and are in the greatest estimation among 

 epicures. This species is abundant on the 

 muddy shores of bays and creeks, and is 

 often caught in such quantities as to be 

 given for food to hogs. 

 The Common Small Edible Crab, Carciuus moenas, is a small species, common on the coast of 

 England and France, and found at low tide buried in the sand beneath stones ; it runs with rapidity, 



and is called the Enraged Crab by the in- 

 habitants. This species, or one closely re- 

 sembling it, is common on our coasts. Some 

 of the crabs of the genus Lupea live in the 

 ocean, and are sometimes called Swimming- 

 Crabs. They are often seen floating on the 

 sea-weed, and appear to have the faculty 

 of sustaining: themselves on the surface of 

 the water in a state of complete repose. 



THE OCYPODID^. 



In this family the carapace is usually 

 quadrilateral, sometimes oval, with the 

 front generally transverse and knotted ; it 

 includes the Little Pea-Crab, Pimiothc- 

 res pisuni, which takes shelter in shells 

 of the bivalve mollusca, especially the com- 

 mon mussel. The ancients were acquainted 

 with one species of Pinnotheres, which in- 

 habits the shell of the Pinna, a common 

 Mediterranean mollusk. They believed that the connection between the crab and the mollusk 

 was one of mutual advantage, and that the former, in return for the protection aftbrded to him by 

 Vol. II.—YV 



THE ERIPHIA SPINIFRONS. 



THE PAKTHENOPE HOREinA. 



