DECAPODA. 
389 
while those which were merely covered, or in such a manner that they 
could raise a portion of their bodies above the surface, lived as long as 
they were taken care of.” 
Genus Homarus. 
H. vulgaris , Edw. 
Lobsters are in plenty around the rocky shores of Ireland. From the 
iron-bound North-eastern coast great quantities of them are now sent by 
the regularly plying steamers to Glasgow. About Dublin, Dr. Ball in- 
forms me that the flounder [Platessa Jlesus) is used as bait for the lobster ; 
and at Youghal, that the best plaice ( Platessa vulgaris ), which would 
bring a good price at market, are cut up for the same purpose. 
The lightest looking and most tasteful lobster-pot that I have seen is 
that used at the South Islands of Arran (off Galway Bay). It is of the 
form and about the size of a tenor-drum. The frame-work consists simply 
of a small hoop at each end fastened to three almost equally light but 
tough pieces of wood, so as to present the drum form ; over all a net is 
stretched, having an opening in the centre of each end. The bait used 
is fish. 
Genus Nephrops. 
N. Norvegicus, Leach. 
Templeton says of this — “ a rare species, but sometimes found in Bel- 
fast Lough.” I have heard of its being taken near Portaferry about the 
entrance to Strangford Lough, and that it has been procured in numbers 
off D undrum on the Down coast, but specimens have not come under my 
observation from these localities. It is brought in great quantities to 
Dublin as an article of food, and is chiefly used by the poorer people. 
Dr. Ball informs me that the species is very numerous in Dublin Bay, off 
the Pigeon House, and that hence the town is supplied ; he has taken 
the Nephrops along with echini and star-fish from the stomachs of cod 
bought in Dublin. 
Specimens have been obligingly sent to me from the island of Holy- 
head (Wales) by Captain Fayrer, R. N. 
Nephrops Norvegicus. — Newcastle, Dozen, Sept., 1851. — An old fisherman 
here informs me, that this species is taken commonly between this and 
the Isle of Man, by the trawl, in from 50 to 60 fathoms. These boats take 
all their fish to Dublin, and hence it, and not Belfast, is supplied with 
them. 
Nephrops Norvegicus. — Oct., 1851. — Patrick Doran tells me, that on the 
bank (25 fathoms water over it) off Glassdrummond (Co. Down) he has 
seen great quantities of these taken in trawl nets. The Nephrops goes 
in shoals, and he has known several instances of above a ton weight of 
them being taken by a boat in a day. They are doled out 5 or 6 cwt. 
a day to the salesmen in Dublin, a fresh supply turned out every morning 
so long as they last. He says that, different from the Isocordia Cor, these 
are taken on various banks, off Down, South, and Dublin coasts, or “ be- 
tween Glassdrummond and Dublin.” 
Genus Crangon. 
C. vulgaris, Leach. 
The shrimp, being an article of food, is noticed in several of our old 
County histories. It is common on the sandy shores and adjacent saline 
