Marvels of the Universe 



41; 



is always a little mound, just such as is seen about an earthworm's ; and, indeed, they are most 

 perfect worm-substitutes. I counted one hundred and twenty of these holes in an area of only 

 two feet square, and as there were many square acres in the ground of which I speak, some idea of 

 the number of this busy army may be obtained. They were incessantly active during the recess 

 of the tide, and even during' high water, which is generally perfectly still, in carrying down 

 twigs of trees or fucus leaves, scraps of coconut shell and seeds, laying the foundation of the 

 future land." 



Forbes further tells us that the entry of a man into this region is the signal for a stampede of 

 the Crabs to their holes, where they wait within the entrance, watching the intruder with their long- 

 stalked eyes over the folded big pincer claw, which serves as a sort of street-door. It is just the 

 position of affairs that is shown in the photograph below. 



A distinct species of the same group, which is known as the Boxer, from its attitude when 

 alarmed or disturbed at its work, is a native of the southern parts of the United States. It has 

 been described as occurring in millions on the seashores and along the tidal rivers of Carolina, where 

 the}- carry out similar operations to those of their relatives in Southern seas. They are the prey of 

 otters, birds, turtles and alligators, but though these enemies destroy vast numbers of them, the 

 fecundity of the race is such that no appreciable difference in their numbers can be noticed. Another 

 American speciesr known as the Fiddler, owing to the peculiar movements of its big arm, lives in 

 salt-marshes and on fresh-water shores. It constructs a sort of porch of mud at the mouth of its 

 burrow, and sits there on the watch. 



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THE LELI-.U.,1.,0 LKAL A 1 1|(J..1L. 



When alarmed these Crabs scurry into their holes, blocking the entrance with the big pink-coloured claw, over which the 



long-sta)Ued eyes keep watch upon the intruder. 



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