SWIMMING CRABS. , 565 
shown in one illustration, while in the other the Spider-crab is shown de- 
nuded of these appendages. od, 
THE large family of the Canceridze now comes before us, and is familiarly 
known through the medium of the common EDIBLE CRAB. 
This is a very common species, being plentiful around our rocky coasts, 
and generally remaining in the zone just under low-water mark. The fisher- 
men catch it in various ways ; but the most usual method, and that by which 
the greatest number of these crustaceans are captured, is by means of certain 
baskets, called crab-pots, cruives, or creels, according to the locality. These 
baskets are round, and in shape something like a flattened apple, and have 
an aperture at the top through which the crab gains access to the interior. 
When once within the basket it cannot escape, because the opening is 
GREEN CRAB,—(Carcinus menas.) 
guarded by an inverted cone of osiers, like the entrance to a common wire 
mouse-trap, so that the elastic sticks yield to the expected prey while passing 
downwards, but effectually prevent all upward movement. 
Supplied with a number of these creels, a corresponding amount of rope, 
floats, stones, and bait, the fisherman rows towards the best grounds, which 
are always where the bed of the sea is rocky, and the depth from three to 
twenty fathoms. The bait, consisting of haddock, skate, and ‘other fish, is 
placed in the basket, together with a few stones which serve to sink it, a line 
is attached, and the creel lowered out of the boat. A buoy is attached to 
the line and marked with the owner’s name, so as to avoid mistakes as to the 
proprietorship of the creel. The fisherman then rows to a little distance, 
and sinks another baited creel. taking the precaution to place them so far 
asunder that the lines cannot be entangled in each other, 
Boys often employ their idle afternoons in crab-hunting, always going 
among the rocks at low-water, and looking out for those rock masses that 
