VELVET SWIMMING-CRAB. 



93 



family, running with great agility on the appearance of 

 clanger, but stopping and assuming an attitude of defence 

 when closely pursued. It seizes an enemy suddenly, and 

 holds him with tenacity." 



It is taken with Carcinus Hcenas, and in the same way. 

 I have occasionally seen it brought to the London market 

 with that species ; and it is taken in large quantities on 

 the French coast as an article of food. It is by far the 

 largest of the family inhabiting the European coasts, being 

 often two inches and a half to three inches in length. 



