THE BLACK-CLAWED CRAB. 505 



like the common Black-clawed Crab *; and the larg- 

 est of them measure about six inches across the body. 

 They vary in colour, but are commonly of a blackish 

 violet : some are entirely black, others yellow, or 

 red, and others variegated. They are distinguished 

 from other species of Crabs by having the first joint 

 of the legs spinous, and the second and third furnished 

 with tufts of hair. 



THE BLACK-CLAWED CRAB*. 



This species of Crab is found on the rocky coasts 

 both of Europe and India ; and is the same that is 

 Introduced to our tables, being in greater esteem as 

 food than many others of the tribe. 



The most remarkable circumstance in the history 

 of these animals is the changing of their shells and 

 broken claws. The former is done once a year, and 

 that usually between Christmas and Easter. During 

 the operation they retire among the cavities of rocks 

 and under great stones ; and Dr. Darwin says (from 

 the authority of a friend who had been engaged in 

 surveying the sea-coasts) 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 he is on his duty, advances 

 boldly to meet the foe, and will with difficulty quit 



* Synonyms.— Cancer pagurus. Linn. • E atable Crab. 



