68 
GENUS PLATYCARCINUS : carapace approaching to a 
transverse oval, without furrows. 
EATABLE CRAB. P. Pagurus. M. Edwards’ Crust., 
vol. 1, p. 413. Cancer P. Leach’s Malac., pi. Pennant, 
pi. 3, fig. 7. 
This is the species so highly esteemed for the table, and 
for which a regular fishery is carried on. The male, called 
the Stool Crab, is much the largest, not uncommonly weighing 
a dozen pounds, whilst the female, termed the Bon Crab, is 
rarely of half that size. Although this Crab is somewhat 
effected by cold weather, so that it is most abundantly caught 
in summer, its activity is not diminished by it, and some 
may be obtained at all seasons. The fishery therefore, is 
more influenced by the danger to which the pots set to take 
them are exposed in stormy weather, than by the absolute 
scarcity of the crabs. Their haunts are along the edges of 
rocks, in situations varying from low water mark to about 20 
fathoms ; and the selection is perhaps as much influenced by 
the facility of hiding or burrowing, as by the supply of food. 
The Bon Crah begins to breed when about 3 inches across the 
carapace ; and the spawn after remaining long attached to the 
parent, is buried beneath some shelter, at all seasons of the 
year; but as when engaged in this duty the female feeds but 
little and commonly hides herself, few of them are taken in 
the pots. Fishermen mention such instances as somewhat re- 
markable, though most other crustaceans are familiarly taken 
with the pea attached. 
The eggs are commonly shed while the parent is hid in the 
sand ; and the young, of very small size, may be found be- 
neath stones at low water mark ; but there are some differ- 
ences in this as in some other of the habits of the different 
sexes ; for among the multitudes of young found as described, 
I have never been able to discover a female. 
The trap made use of in taking Crabs and Lobsters is 
formed of wicker work, in the form of the ordinary dome- 
shaped mouse-trap, with the difference that the only entrance 
is at the top, and that the bottom is immoveably joined to the 
structure. It is about 2J feet high, and the bait is fastened 
within, between the neck of the entrance and the sides, by 
wooden skewers, so as to be seen at the greatest distance. 
The skate and other fishes not generally sold in the market, are 
used for bait, and it is found that the freshest only will attract 
the Crab, whilst for the Lobster it is best when hung for 
several days to become tainted. The pot is weighed down 
by a couple of stones fastened within, and the place is marked 
by aline, with single corks along its course, and a buoy at the 
end. The pots are hauled or examined every morning, at 
which time they are rebaited, and the Crabs and Lobsters 
