THE LAND CRAB . 
49 
cast its shell, and for that purpose retires to the burrow, which 
has been well stocked with grass, leaves, and similar materials. 
It then closes the entrance, and remains hidden until it has 
thrown off its old shell, and indued its new suit, which is then 
very soft, being little but a membranous skin, traversed by mul- 
titudinous vessels.. At this time the crab is thought to be in 
the best condition for the table. Calcareous matter is rapidly 
deposited upon the membrane, and in process of time the new 
shell becomes even harder and stronger than that which has 
been rejected. 
Many species of Land Crab are known, some of which possess 
rather curious habits. The F ighting Crab. ( Gelasimus bellator ) , 
is a good example of them. This species possesses one very 
large and one very little claw, so that it looks as if a small man 
were gifted with one arm of Hercules and the other of Tom 
Thumb. As it runs along, with the wonderful speed which 
belongs to all its kin, it holds the large claw in the air, and nods 
it continually, as beckoning to its pursuer. While so engaged 
it has so absurd an aspect that it has earned the generic title 
of Gelasimus, i.e. laughable. As may be conjectured from its 
popular name, it is a very combative species, holding its fighting 
claw across its body, just as an accomplished boxer holds his 
arm, and biting with equal quickness and force. It is also a 
burro wer, and lives in pairs, the female being within, and the 
male remaining on guard at the mouth of the hole, his great 
fighting claw across the entrance. 
Another Land Crab, which has earned the generic title of 
Ocypode, or Swift-footed, and is popularly called the Racer, 
from its astonishing speed, is a native of Ceylon, where it exists 
in such numbers that it becomes a terrible nuisance to the resi- 
dents. Having no respect for the improvements of civilisation, 
this crab persists in burrowing into the sandy roads, and is so 
industrious at its excavations, that a staff of labourers is con- 
stantly employed in filling up the burrows which these crabs 
have made. Were not this precaution taken, there would be 
many accidents to horsemen. 
The mode of excavation employed by this creature is rather 
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