ORDER LACERTILIA. an 



the species Telphusa fluviatilis. They are not confined to the water, for 

 one was killed foraging in our camp, and I saw them amongst the rushes 

 escaping with marvellous celerity. I brought home a number which 

 the Bedawtn children caught -for me. They are now in the British 

 Museum. 



Tristram mentions that there were fresh -water crabs at 'Ain Jidy 

 (Engedi) ; they were probably the same species. These crabs chiefly 

 appear to resort to deep holes, which they excavate among the rushes 

 above the margin of the Dead Sea. Here thev lie concealed during the 

 day, coming forth at dusk. When alarmed, they escape to concealment 

 with great swiftness. This species is found in Egypt, North Africa, and 

 eastwards to Persia. 



27 — 2 



