48 STRANGE DWELLINGS, 



all burrow in the ground, run with very great speed, bite with 

 marvellous severity, and associate in considerable numbers. A-s 

 a general fact, they are considered as great dainties, and when 

 properly prepared, may be ranked among the standing luxuries 

 of their country. 



As the Violet Land Crab of Jamaica {Gecarcmus ruricola\ 

 is the most familiar of these creatures, we will take it as our 

 first example of the burrowing Crustacea. This species, which is 

 sometimes called the Black Crab, and sometimes the Toulourou, 

 is exceedingly variable in its colouring, sometimes black, some- 

 times blue, and sometimes spotted. Whatever may be the 

 colour, some tinge of blue is always to be found, so that the 

 name of Violet Crab is the most appropriate of the three. 

 Wherever the Land Crab makes its home, the ground is filled 

 with its burrows, which are as thickly sown as those of a rabbit 

 warren, and within these habitations the crabs remain for the 

 greater part of the day, coming out at night to feed, but being 

 always ready to scuttle back at the least alarm. 



Although these warrens are seldom less than a mile from the 

 sea, and are often made at a distance of two or even three 

 miles, the Land Crabs are obliged to travel to the shore for the 

 purpose of depositing their eggs, which are attached to the 

 lower surface of the abdomen, and are washed off by the surf. 

 Large numbers of the crabs may be seen upon their journey, 

 which they prosecute so eagerly that they suffer no opposition 

 to deter them from their purpose. This custom has probably 

 given rise to the greatly exaggerated tales that have been nar- 

 rated respecting these crabs, and their custom of scaling per- 

 pendicular walls rather than turn aside from the direct line of 

 their route. 



Twice in the year the Land Crabs become very fat and heavy, 

 and are then in the best condition for the table, their flesh being 

 peculiarly rich and loaded with fat. No one seems to be tired 

 of the Land Crab, and new comers are apt to indulge in the 

 novel dainty to such an extent that their internal economy is 

 sadly deranged for some little time after the banquet. 



About the month of August, the Land Crab is obliged to 



