CRUSTACEA. 



Crab Fishing. Fishermen examining their Creels, or Crab Pots. 



conveys 



Under the general head of Articulata are classed the Crustacea. They may be regarded as representing, 

 in the sea, the insects and Araehnidse of the land. Their chief distinction from the latter is in their respira- 

 tory apparatus, which is adapted to breathing in water, and not in air. This apparatus consists of fringes 

 of gills, like those of the fishes or molluscs. They are also distinguished by a calcareous, shelly integu- 

 ment, which is secreted from the true skin, as the shells of molluscs are from the mantle. To provide for 

 the growing bulk of their bodies, they periodically cast their shells, and retire to some hiding place, being 

 then wholly unprotected. Soon, however, these naked, sofl bodies are covered with a mucous exudation 

 containing a large amount of calcareous matter, which soon hardens into a new shell. They have a remark- 

 able power of repairing injuries, so that if part of a claw lie lust, a new one is soon pi'oduced in its stead. 



The above will serve as general distinctions of flic class, and we shall now proceed to describe some 

 specimens, uud; j r the same conditions heretofore observed. 



The Crab is mostly aquatic in habits, and grows slowly, though it lives long. It is voracious and car- 

 nivorous, and its first pair of legs constitutes a pair of powerful claws, with which it seizes its food and 

 it to the mouth, its skeleton is external. Its senses are not deficient in acuteness. Its locomo- 

 tive powers are such, that it can move with equal facility in 

 any direction. Like the Crustacea generally, it periodically 

 casts its shell. It is quite a favorite with epicures. 



Crabs are taken in various modes — some very simple, and 

 others on a large and more complex scale, for purposes of 

 commerce. The Wot Indian monkey inserts his tail in 

 the hole of the Crab, and the latter grasping it, the former 

 jerks out his tail, and so secures his prize. The children of 

 fishermen often catch Crabs, by thrusting into their retreats 

 a, stick, with a hook on the end of it, which the animal 

 instantly seizing, is drawn forth. This, however, and the 

 like methods, can take but icw, and those not the finest iD 



qualils . 



Crab fishing, as generally conducted along the British 

 coast, is pursued by "two men, going out ; n -ne boat. Be- 

 (361) 31 



The Crab 



