5282 



Crustacea, 



feet unequal, compressed, didactyle, the remaining pairs slender, 

 compressed, simple (the fifth pair most slender and compressed) : 

 carapace much compressed, rounded above, the five intermediate of 

 nearly equal length ; the caudal joint elongate-triangular. 



It will be observed from this definition that it is intended to be 

 specific as well as generic ; and this was not a matter of much im- 

 portance while there was only one species. I would retain in the 

 generic character the description of the external and internal antennae, 

 external pedipalps, anterior feet, and carapace, and degrade the 

 remainder to specific importance only ; and then the present species 

 can be brought within the genus. 



The specific character of Axius stirynchus I would, then, define as 



Specific characters. Rostrum short, stout, elongate -triangular, 

 having a raised granular margin, and a raised, central, longitudinal 

 line; first ring of abdomen short; central caudal plate elongate- 

 triangular: a row of spines on the external surface of hand. 



And the species now under consideration as 



Specific characters. Rostrum stout, short, elongate-triangular, with 

 a raised festooned margin, and a raised, central, longitudinal line ; first 

 ring of the abdomen small, and on its anterior margin are two projec- 

 tions, which pass forward and join the posterior portion of the cara- 

 pace : central caudal plate quadrangular. 



2 

 Axius.— 1. Posterior view of central caudal plate. 2. Dorsal view of snout. 3. Lateral view of snout. 



This species in size and appearance very much resembles A. stiryn- 

 chus. The carapace is large, deep and much compressed, especially 

 towards the dorsum, where it almost becomes angular; but it is not 



