158 



DECAPODS. 



a flat joint resembling a fin. They live at a distance from the shore, and swim 

 out into the high sea. 



The Shore Crabs (Cancer] are eminently adapted for walking. The eight 

 hinder legs only are employed for the purpose, and they are terminated by 



FIG. 159. YOUNG OF CRAB. 



strong and pointed claws. They walk with the same facility forward or back- 

 ward, on one side or the other, or in all oblique directions ; they also climb 

 with great celerity. 



' 



FIG. 160. FIRST STAGE OK SHORE CRA 



FIG. 161. SKCOND STAGE OF SHORE CRAB. 



The Edible Crabs (Pagurus], well known at our tables, generally fre- 

 quent rocky coverts, and hide in the clefts of rocks, where they are sheltered 

 from the waves and secured from the pursuit of their enemies. When the 

 waters rise, they approach the shore and seize on marine animals incapable 

 of resistance, or devour such as have perished. It is principally during the 

 night that they proceed to plunder. As they do not always regain the sea 

 with sufficient promptness, and they cannot swim, they are often exposed to 



