THE GREEN, OR SHORE-CRAB. 445 



a reddish tinge of greater or less intensity, according to the individual. The legs are dusky- 

 red, relieved by a series of bands of a grayish-yellow color. 



In many characteristics, the genus Zozymus resembles the genus iEgle so closely, that the 

 two genera have been blended together by several systematic zoologists. 



As a general fact, it is much to be wished that the modern fashion of breaking up the old 

 and established genera into a host of new ones, many of which contain but a single species, had 

 not proved so fascinating to the authors. In many cases, the characteristics employed as 

 generic differences are so very trifling, that they are barely of sufficient importance for the 

 establishment of a species. New families also have been invented with reckless profusion, and in 

 many instances, known to every naturalist, the characteristics on which the family is founded 

 serve equally for the genus and the species. Needful as is some definite system of nomencla- 

 ture, and admirable as is the system which Linnseus founded, and which lias since formed the 

 basis of all arrangement, it can be pushed too far, and, as is well known to be the case, is so 

 widely abused, that merely to learn the multitude of sesquipedalian titles with which the study 

 of zoology is now encumbered, requires a greater exercise of memory than to study the habits 

 and peculiarities of structures which alone form the true objects of zoological science. 



The Brassy Crab is remarkable for the curious protuberances into which the carapace is 

 moulded, and which cover the claws and legs. Only three or four species are ranked under 

 this genus, and all of them are natives of the Mauritius or the Philippines. 



The genus to which the Spotted Crab is assigned is rather more comprehensive than the 

 preceding, and contains six or eight species, all being remarkable for their round and smooth 

 bodies,the peculiar notches and projections on the edge of the carapace, and the huge claws 

 that terminate the first pair of legs. 



The members of this genus belong to the tropical regions. Some species are found about 

 Jamaica and the West Indies in general. Others inhabit the Philippines, and others, again, 

 are natives of the Mauritius. Except from the pecidiar spots with which the carapace is deco- 

 rated, this crab might easily escape detection while lying with its limbs withdrawn, and its 

 frame in a state of quietude, for it is so round and so smooth that it looks very like a large 

 pebble that has received a partial polish from the action of the waves. Many specimens are 

 covered more or less with vegetable and animal growths, such as corallines, algae, barnacles and 

 zoophytes, and are therefore almost undistinguishable while they are quiet. 



The spots upon the carapace are bright red. 



Examples of two dissimilar species of the same genus are the Tubercled Galene and the 

 Smooth Galene. The Tubercled Galene derives its name from the profuse warty excrescences 

 which grow upon the claw-feet and the pincers. In the Smooth Galene the claws are very 

 much smaller in proportion, and destitute of the tubercles which are so characteristic in the 

 former species. Both these crabs are natives of the East Indies. 



We now arrive at the family of the Portunidse, or Swimming Crabs, in which the last pair 

 of feet are flattened sideways, and have the last joint dilated into a thin oblique plate, which 

 answers as an oar or a fin, and enables the creature to propel itself through the water. The 

 first example of this family is the Green, or Shore-crab, so familiar to every one who lias 

 passed even an hour on the coast between the time of high and low water. Although one of 

 the commonest of the crustaceans, it is at the same time one of the most interesting, and, owing 

 to its diurnal habits, its fearless nature, and its love for the shallow waters, it is very easily 

 observed. I have spent many a pleasant hour in watching the habits of this little creature, 

 and could hardly have imagined the activity, the piercing sight, and the cleverness with which 

 this crab is endowed. 



It is a fierce and even voracious animal, chasing and fairly running down living prey, 

 and actually leaping upon its victim with a spring like that of the hunting spider. I have 

 seen the Green Crabs run after and catch even the active sandhoppers, calculating with 

 nice precision the spot on which they alighted, and pouncing on them before they could 

 get themselves into position for a second leap. If the prey should be of tolerable size, the 

 crab does not leap at it, but darts out one of its claws with a stroke so sharp and quick, that 



