ORDER CRUSTACEA. HETEROBRANCHI.S. 143 



their arrows, and as they are in the habit of poisoning 

 the points of these weapons, it is most likely from this 

 circumstance that the idea we have noticed oriirinated. 



Polyphemus gh/as. 



Dm'ing the night-time they lie half out of the water, 

 and are then very easily taken, as they appear to take 

 but little notice of anything until their danger becomes 

 imminent. 



It is but a small portion of their flesh that is con- 

 sidered good for food, but the eggs, which are very 

 numerous, are reckoned a delicacy. 



These Crabs are in the habit of leaving the water and 

 walking to a considerable distance over the wet sands, — 

 but if incommoded by the sun, they hurry back as fast 

 as they are able to their native element. When walking, 

 none of their legs are visible. Most authors say that, if 

 this Crab is laid on its back, it must inevitably perish, 

 unless the waters return in time, but one observer asserts 

 that it has the power of righting itself with the assistance 

 of its tail. 



