THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE BLUE CRAB (CALLINECTES 
SAPIDUS). 
By W. P. Hay, M. S., 
Professor of Biology, Howard University. 
The following report embodies the results of two summers’ work 
(1902 and 1903) in the crab-producing region bordering Chesapeake 
Bay. The information was gathered incidentally in connection with a 
thorough study of the diamond-back terrapin, and on that account is 
by no means as complete as could be desired. Many of the theories 
advanced by the fishermen and packers regarding the blue crab have 
not yet been subjected to close examination, although every oppor- 
tunity has been taken for this purpose. In some cases the reports 
secured were so contradictory that it is not deemed safe to express an 
opinion concerning them. Quite a number of facts, however, have 
been brought to light, and they are here presented in the hope that 
they may prove valuable to those engaged in the fishery or to those 
whose duty if is to secure the enactment of laws to regulate and 
prolong it. — 
The fishermen and crab packers throughout the region gave most 
cordial cooperation to the investigations. Special thanks are due to 
Messrs. Tull & Co., Tawes & Riggins, and Christy Brothers, of Cris- 
field, Md., and to Messrs. McMenamin & Co., of Hampton, Va., all 
of whom rendered valuable assistance by supplying material or 
information. 
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CALLINECTES SAPIDUS RATHBUN. 
Lupa hastata Bose, Histoire Naturelle des Crustacés, Vol. I, pp. 212-214, 1801-1802. 
Say, An Account of the Crustacea of the United States, Journal 
Academy Natural Sciences Philadelphia, Vol. I, 1817, p. 65. (Not 
L. hastata Desmarest, 1823, nor Milne-Edwards, 1884. ) 
Lupa dicantha De Kay, Natural History New York, Zoology, part vi, Crustacea, p. 
10, pl. m1, fig. 3, 1844. 
Lucas, Annales Société Entomologique de France (2), T. II, IX, pl. 1, 
ore 
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