196 SHRIMPS AND PRAWNS, 



the world, and is found in Australia, New Zealand, the Medi- 

 terranean, British Columbia, &c., and varies in diameter 

 when its legs are spread out from 8 inches to 10 feet. Its 

 flesh is harder than the preceding kinds. Crabs and Lobsters 

 are its constant prey, and many shells are found at the entrance 

 of its haunt under a stone or hole in a rock. In Guernsey to 

 disable it they turn its cap inside out, and carry it on a stick 

 after capture. Large numbers are used by the French fisher- 

 men for Conger trots, and about 5 inches of a horn of this 

 creature skinned will answer as a whiffing bait for Whiting- 

 Pollack and Bass. (See cut of Eel bait, fig. 25, p. 82.) It is 

 excellent for Cod-fishing, and as a bait for Snappers on the 

 Australian coasts. In British Columbia and Jersey they are 

 roasted and eaten, and are cooked in various ways on the 

 Continent. 



SHRIMPS AND PRAWNS. 



Shrimps and Prawns are often used as bait when alive for 

 Whiting-Pollack, and dead for Mullet and Smelts. Boiled 

 Shrimps peeled will take Eels, Dabs, and Flounders, in most 

 pier harbours on the coast, when used as bait for fine tackle 

 with the rod. Large quantities are taken by trawl-nets in 

 Boston Deeps, on the Lincolnshire coast, and in the mouth of 

 the Thames, &c., for the London market, and the method of 

 catching them with hand-nets in sand and rock pools is known 

 to every sea-side visitor. 



For hand-nets, see fig, 74, p. 243, and following pages. 



Small traps or pots are much used in Dorsetshire and 

 Hampshire, which are very similar to Crab-pots ; and in 

 Devonshire they are taken in hoop-nets baited with stale fish, 

 at night, or during the day, after the water has been discoloured 

 by a storm. (See p. 246.) 



THE COMMON GREEN OR SHORE CRAB. 



( Carcinus Manas. ) 



This small Crab is found in great numbers in all harbours 

 as well as on the open coast, and is an excellent bait for 

 Flounders, Freshwater Eels, and various sea-fish, as Bass 



