THE COMMON, OR BLACK-CLAWED CRAB. 



551 



engaged in surveying the sea-coasts) says, that a hard-shelled Crab 

 always stands sentinel, to prevent the sea-insects from injuring the rest 

 in their defenceless state ; and that, from his appearance, the fishermen 

 know where to find the soft ones, which they use for baits in catching 

 fish ; adding that, though the hard-shelled Crab, when hf is on duty, 

 advances boldly to meet the foe, and will with difficulty quit the field, 

 yet at other times he shows great timidity, and is very expeditious in 

 effecting his escape : if, however, he be often interrupted, he will, like the 



CKAB MOULTING. 



Spider, pretend to be dead, and will watch an opportunity to sink 

 himself into the sand, keeping only his eyes above. 



When the claw of a Crab is bruised, it bleeds, and the animal seems, 

 by its motions, to experience much pain. For a while it moves it 

 from side to side; then holding it perfectly steady in a direct position, 

 the claw on a sudden gives a gentle crack, and the wounded part 

 drops off; not at the joint, as might be imagined, but in the smoothest 

 part of the limb. 



Crabs are naturally quarrelsome, and frequently have serious con- 

 tests, by means of those formidable weapons, their great claws. With 

 these they lay hold of their adversary's legs; and wherever they seize, 

 it is not easy to make them forego their hold. The animal seized has, 

 therefore, no alternative but to leave part of the leg behind in token 

 of victory. 



