20 
A NATURALIST ON THE PROWL . 
coasts of England* where they are said to kill large 
numbers of mackerel. Bombay fishermen often find 
them in their nets. Other crabs inhabit the forests, 
climbing trees. Of these we have one beautiful species, 
all purple and blue. 
Others have their home in the fields, lying buried during 
the months of drought, and coming to life when the rain 
has softened the earth. They love the rain, and often 
have I drawn them from their holes by means of a fraudu- 
lent shower from a watering can. Slowly the poor dupe 
comes out to enjoy it, and when his feet show themselves 
at the door, you can thrust in a trowel and cut off 
his retreat. Then he knows he has been fooled, and 
backing into a corner, extends his great claws and defies 
the world. 
Did you ever see a motherly land crab with all her 
children about her, leading them among the tender grass 
on which they feed, like a hen with her chickens, and when 
their little legs are weary, gathering them into her pouch 
and carrying them home? It is a pretty picture, and I 
wish I could paint in the father of the family ; but the 
truth must be told, and I am afraid that when he meets 
with his offspring, he runs them down and eats them. At 
