FOOD FROM THE CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCA. 395 



The spiny spider crab (Maia squinado) frequents nearly- 

 all parts of our coasts and is by far the largest of the 

 family. It is eaten by the poorer classes, though it is 

 but indifferent food. 



The common or shore crab {Carcinus mcenas) is very 

 abundant on the coasts of France. Although its flesh is 

 not delicate, large quantities are consumed, and during 

 the months of June and July a great many are sent both 

 to the Paris markets and those of the large towns in the 

 interior. 



{Cancer flumatilis, Belon.), is eaten in Italy, in seasons 

 of abstinence, and wonderful properties are ascribed to 

 its flesh for the cure of throat atfections. 



In Central and Southern Italy a freshwater ci'ab 

 {Telphusa fluviatihs) is pretty common, and sought for ; 

 near Florence they are kept for some time in the dark, 

 isolated in earthen jars, so that they may shed their 

 carapace, and becoming soft are more easily eaten. 



In Chili, under the name of " Centollas," Herbstia 

 condyliata is eaten by the natives. The edible or blue 

 crab of New Jersey, America, is Callinectes hastatus, 

 Ordway. 



Land Crabs. — A tropical food dainty, which we never 

 see in this country, is the land crab (Gecarcina ruricola). 

 These literally swarm in the Bahamas and afford food 

 for the inhabitants the greatest part of the year ; even 

 the hogs are fed with them. It is the grey or white 

 kind of crab, common to Cuba and the Bahamas. In 

 the autumn they are very fat, and equal in flavour to 

 the black species of Jamaica. They are found in myriads 

 in all parts and thought a great delicacy. 



The Cardisoma carnijer, Latr., of the mangrove swamps 

 is regarded as a luxurious article of food by the West 

 Indians. They are caught in box rat traps, baited with a 

 piece of the Anona fruit, of which they are very fond. 

 After their capture they are usually kept some time and 

 fattened with broken victuals. 



The robber crab (Birgus Icdro) common to the Islands 

 of the Pacific and the East, is considered a table delicacy ; 



