CLASS IV. CRUSTACEA: ORDER 1. DECAPODA. 
609 
Oceans, is covered witli tlie most grotesque ornaments. Almost every shore lias its peculiar 
species. On our coasts we have many kinds, as the Oyster-Crab, Mud-Crah, Sand-Crah, Edible 
Crab, &c. The multiplicity and variety of the species, have, in fact, led to the distribution of 
the crabs in several families — that of the Canceridce, at the present day, including only those of 
which the Common Crab of Eukope, Cancer pagurus, is the type. These have the shell regu- 
larly rounded in front and narrowed behind ; the legs are of moderate length, the claws large, and 
often unequal in size. This species inhabits deep water, and is captured in large quantities by 
sinking baskets, pots, or nets, baited with carrion, in places Avhich it is known to frequent. Many 
other kinds are eaten in different parts of 
the world. 
THE PORTUNIDiE. 
The crabs of this family are nearly allied 
to the Canceridce, and are sometimes called 
Paddling Crabs. 
The Common Edible Crab of this coun- 
try, Lupea dicantha, is found on our coast 
from Florida to Cape Cod. These, like the 
other crabs, cast their shells once a year. 
The period in which they are sloughing 
off is but two or three days, when the new 
shells are speedily formed ; but while the 
crabs are thus naked, or the new covering 
is tender, they are called Soft-shell Crabs, 
and are in the greatest estimation among 
epicures. This species is abundant on the 
muddy shores of bays and creeks, and is 
often caught in such quantities as to be 
given for food to hogs. 
The Common Small Edible Crab, Carcinus mcenas, is a small species, common on the coast of 
England and France, and found at low tide buried in the sand beneath stones ; it runs with rapidity, 
and is called the Enraged Crab by the in- 
habitants. This species, or one closely re- 
sembling it, is common on our coasts. Some 
of the crabs of the genus Lupea live in the 
ocean, and are sometimes called Sioimniing- 
Crabs. They are often seen floating on the 
sea-weed, and appear to have the faculty 
of sustaining themselves on the surface of 
the water in a state of complete repose. 
THE OCTPODID^. 
In this family the carapace is usually 
quadrilateral, sometimes oval, with the 
front generally transverse and knotted ; it 
includes ,the Little Pea-Crab, Pinnothe- 
res pisiom, which takes shelter in shells 
of the bivalve mollusca, especially the com- 
mon mussel. The ancients were acquainted 
with one species of Pinnotheres, which in- 
Labits the shell of the Pinna, a common 
Mediterranean moUusk. They believed that the connection between the crab and the mollusk 
was one of mutual advantage, and that the former, in return for the protection afforded to him by 
Vol. II.— 11 
THE ERIPHIA SPINIPEONS. 
THE PAETHENOPE HOEEIDA. 
