372 
CRUSTACEA. 
Oct., 1834, and on a subsequent occasion we obtained several individuals 
in the same locality. It has been dredged in Belfast Bay by Dr. J. L. 
Drummond. Dr. Ball once found this species cast ashore in numbers on 
the Dublin coast after a great storm ; and in his collection are fine speci- 
mens from Roundstone, on the western coast. 
Capt. Beechey, R. N., brought up a crab of this species alive in the 
dredge from a depth of 50 fathoms off the Mull of Galloway. 
On examining other specimens in my collection, and finding great 
diversity as to the isolation and approximation of the tubercles so as to 
form shields in the different individuals, I became certain that the E. 
aspera and E. scutellata are but one species, the latter being a state of the 
former with the tubercles drawn together so as to form shield-like 
patterns. The shields in all the specimens examined, except the first- 
mentioned, show that they are formed by the junction of the tubercles : 
in it however no trace of the separate tubercles is visible, but instead, the 
five on either side the central one on the cardiac region are all fused 
together. Those forming the smaller shield anterior to it are likewise 
fused together so as to leave no trace of the number of tubercles 
forming it. 
Genus Xantho. 
X.Jlorida, Leach, 
Seems to be a local species. It is recorded as Irish in Mr. J. Y. 
Thompson’s catalogue. In the Ordnance collection are specimens from 
three localities on the Antrim coast — Carnlough, Larne, and Carrick- 
fergus ; and in Dr. Ball’s cabinet there is an example from Dublin Bay. 
In July, 1840, this species was found commonly by Professor Forbes and 
myself under stones between tide-marks at Lahinch, County Clare : — the 
entire claws of these specimens (all under half adult size) are of a pale- 
brown colour, but very different in shade from any part of the body of the 
animal : in Leach’s Malacostraca the claws are described and figured as 
black, but a variety stated to be rare is said to have “ the tops of the 
claws of the same colour with the other parts of the animal.” 
Abundant under stones on the beach, Tory Island, Mr. Hyndman. 
X. rivulosa , Risso. 
A fine example of a crab so named, and which is an addition to the 
British Fauna, is in the Ordnance collection — it was taken at Portrush, 
County of Antrim, in July, 1839. Col. Portlock informs me that having 
been at once identified as the X. rivulosa , more specimens were assidu- 
ously sought for in the locality, but in vain. I fully agree with him in 
considering it the X. rivulosa as described by M. Edwards. It seems to 
me a well-marked species. It is said to inhabit the Mediterranean and 
the western coast of France. 
Genus Cancer. 
C. Pagurus, Leach. 
This, the common edible crab, is taken on all quarters of the Irish 
coast, and is held in good estimation for the table. It is the only species 
brought on sale to Belfast market. In January, 1836, a specimen weigh- 
ing 9|-lbs. was taken in Strangford Lough, and in Aug., 1841, one of 
9 lbs. was obtained in Belfast Bay : these were of extraordinary magni- 
tude for the North of Ireland to produce, although not larger than what 
are commonly to be seen in the London market. M. Edwards mentions this 
