THE LAND CEAB. 89 



with its burrows, which are as thickly so^th as those of a rabbit 

 warren, and within these habitations the crabs remain for the 

 greater part of the day, coming out at night to feed, but being 

 always ready to scuttle back at the least alarm. 



Should, however, their retreat be intercepted, they are as ready 

 to fight as to run, and have a curious habit of seizing the foe 

 with one of the large claws, and then shaking off the limb at its 

 junction with the body. As tlie muscles of the claw retain their 

 tension for some little time after the connexion with the body 

 has been severed, the enemy feels as much pain as if the crab 

 were still living ; and in the momentary confusion caused by 

 the bite, the crab takes the opportunity to conceal itself in some 

 crevice. As is the case with all crustaceans, it suffers but a 

 temporary loss, a new limb soon sprouting out, and taking the 

 place of the discarded member. 



Although tliese warrens are seldom less than a mile from the sea, 

 and are often made at a distance of two or even three miles, the 

 Land Crabs are obliged to travel to the shore for the purpose of 

 depositing their eggs, which are attached to the lower surface of 

 the abdomen, and are washed off by the surf. Large numbers of 

 the crabs may be seen upon their journey, which they prose- 

 cute so eagerly that they suffer no opposition to deter them from 

 their purpose. This custom has probably given rise to the 

 greatly exaggerated tales that have been narrated respecting 

 these crabs, and their custom of scaling perpendicular walls 

 rather than turn aside from the direct line of their route. 



Twice in the year the Land Crabs become very fat and heavy 

 and are then in the best condition for the table, their flesh being 

 peculiarly rich and loaded with fat. No one seems to be tired 

 of the Land Crab, and new comers are apt to indulge in the 

 novel dainty to such an extent that their internal economy is 

 sadly deranged for some little time after the banquet 



About the month of August, the Land Crab is obliged to 

 cast its shell, and for that purpose retires to the burrow, which 

 has been well stocked with grass, leaves, and similar materials. 

 It then closes thp entrance, and remains hidden until it has 

 thrown off its old shell, and indued its new suit, which is then 

 very soft, being little but a membranous skin, traversed by mul- 

 titudinous vessels. At this time the crab is thought to be in 

 the best condition for the table. Calcareous matter is rapidly 



