PARTHENOPIDiE. 
29 
were beautifully represented in the exuviae ; the teeth on 
the edges of the claws closed accurately on each other in the 
renewed crab, although there was scarcely a trace of them 
distinguishable in the slough, the teeth having been pro- 
bably worn smooth by use. Mr. Gosse did not observe 
“any of the struggling that is sometimes spoken of; it 
seemed to be a very easy and simple matter. The new 
integuments were perfected, though soft, before the old 
were thrown off, and the immediate cause of the separation 
of the crust appears to be the sudden growth of the animal 
within, forcing asunder the upper and lower crusts at the 
posterior margin ; then the pulling out of the limbs pre- 
sents no more difficulty than what depends on the enfeebled 
condition of the muscular energy."” 
Tam. PJRTHENOPILES, M. Edw. 
Tour hind pairs of legs much shorter than the fore legs. 
Tirst pair large ; in the male, and sometimes in both sexes, 
very much longer than the others. Basilar joint of the 
outer antennae almost always slightly developed, not united 
to the front. Carapace more or less triangular. 
A family very feebly represented in the British seas. In 
the seas of warmer climates there are many fine species. 
