IV.

CRABS

1 EDIBLE CRAB2 EDIBLE CRAB, casting its shell, from Nature3 SPIDER CRAB4 COMMON SHORE-CRAB5 MINUTE PORCELAIN-CRAB

Theforegoing motto, extracted from a humorous tale by 'dear Tom Hood,' which appeared in one of his comic annuals,—or volumes of 'Laughter fromyeartoyear,' as he delighted to call them,—may not inaptly introduce the subject of this chapter.

The termpartaneis generally applied in Scotland to all the true crabs (Brachyura). An esteemed friend, however, informs me that in some parts it is more particularly used to denote the Edible Crab(Cancer pagurus), which is sold so extensively in the fishmongers' shops. However that may be, there is no doubt it was a specimen of this genus that Creel Katie so boldly captured.

Now this crab, to my mind, is one of the most interesting objects of the marine animal kingdom, and I would strongly advise those of my readers who may have opportunities of being at the sea-side to procure a few youthful specimens. Its habits, according to my experience, are quite different from those of its relative, the Common Shore-Crab (Carcinusmænas), or even the Velvet Swimming-Crab (Portunus puber). Unlike these, it does not show any signs of a vicious temper upon being handled, nor does it scamper away in hot haste at the approach of a stranger. Its nature, strange as the statement may appear to many persons, seems timid, gentle, and fawn-like.

On turning over a stone, you will perhaps perceive, as I have often done, three or four specimens, and, unless previously aware of the peculiarity of their disposition, you will be surprised to see each little fellow immediately fall upon his back, turn up the whites of his eyes, and bring his arms or claws together,—

'As if praying dumbly,Over his breast:'

making just such a silent appeal for mercy as a pet spaniel does when expecting from his master chastisement for somefaux pas. One of these crabs may be taken up and placed in the hand without the slightest fear. It will not attempt to escape, but will passively submit to be rolled about, and closely examined at pleasure. Even when again placed in its native element, minutes will sometimes elapse before the little creature can muster up courage to show his 'peepers,' and gradually unroll its body and limbs from their painful contraction.

Most writers on natural history entertain an opinion totally at variance with my own in regard to the poorCancer pagurus, of whom we are speaking.By some he is called a fierce, cannibalistic, and remorseless villain, totally unfit to be received into respectable marine society. Mr. Jones relates how he put half a dozen specimens into a vase, and on the following day found that, with the exception of two, all had been killed and devoured by their companions; and in a trial of strength which speedily ensued between the pair of 'demons in crustaceous guise,' one of these was eventually immolated and devoured by his inveterate antagonist. Sir J. Dalyell mentions several similar instances of rapacity among these animals. Now, these anecdotes I do not doubt, but feel inclined, from the results of my own experience, to consider them exceptional cases.

When studying the subject of exuviation, I was in the habit of keeping half a dozen or more specimens of the Edible Crab together as companions in the same vase; but except when a 'friend and brother' slipped off his shelly coat, and thus offered a temptation too great for crustaceous nature to withstand, I do not remember a single instance of cannibalism. True, there certainly were occasionally quarrelling and fighting, and serious nocturnal broils, whereby life and limb were endangered; but then such mishaps will frequently occur, even in the best regulated families of the higher animals, without these being denounced as a parcel of savages.

Compared toCancer pagurus, the Shore-Crab appears in a very unamiable light. When the two arekept in the same vase, they exhibit a true exemplification of the wolf and the lamb. This, much to my chagrin, was frequently made evident to me, but more particularly so on one occasion, when I was, from certain circumstances, compelled to place a specimen of each in unhappy companionship. Here is a brief account of how they behaved to each other: The poor little lamb (C. pagurus) was kept in a constant state of alarm by the attacks of her fellow-prisoner (C. mænas) from the first moment that I dropped her in the tank. If I gave her any food, and did not watch hard by until it was consumed, the whole meal would to a certainty be snatched away. Not content with his booty, the crabbie rascal of the shore would inflict a severe chastisement upon his rival in my favour, and not unfrequently attempt to wrench off an arm or a leg out of sheer wantonness. To end such a deplorable state of matters, I very unceremoniously took up wolf, and lopped off one of his large claws, and also one of his hind legs. By this means I stopped his rapid movements to and fro, and, moreover, deprived him somewhat of his power to grasp an object forcibly. In spite of his mutilations, he still exhibited the same antipathy to his companion, and, as far as possible, made her feel the weight of his jealous ire. Retributive justice, however, was hanging over his crustaceous head. The period arrived when nature compelled him to change his coat. In due time themysterious operation was performed, and he stood forth a new creature, larger in size, handsomer in appearance, but for a few days weak, sickly, and defenceless. His back, legs, and every part of his body were of the consistency of bakers' dough. The lamb well knew her power, and though much smaller in size than her old enemy, she plucked up spirit and attacked him; nor did she desist until she had seemingly made him cry peccavi, and run for his life beneath the shelter of some friendly rock. Without wishing to pun, I may truly say the little partane came off witheclat, having my warmest approbation for her conduct, and aclawin her arms as token of her prowess. I knew that when wolf was himself again there would be a scene. Reprisals, of course, would follow. Therefore, rather than permit a continuance of such encounters, I separated the crabs, and introduced them to companions more suited to the nature of each.

The difference exhibited in the form and development of the tail in the ten-footed Crustacea (Decapoda)—as for instance, the crab, the lobster, and the hermit-crab—is so striking that naturalists have very appropriately divided them into three sections, distinguished by terms expressive of these peculiarities of structure: 1st,Brachyura, or short-tailed decapods, as the Crabs; 2d,Anomoura, or irregular tailed, as the Hermit-crabs; 3d,Macroura, or long-tailed, as Lobster, Cray-fish, &c.

It is to a further consideration of a few familiar examples of the first mentioned group that I propose to devote the remainder of this chapter.

Few subjects of study are more difficult and obscure than such as belong to the lower forms of the animal kingdom. However carefully we may observe the habits of these animals, our conclusions are too often apt to be unsound, from our proneness to judge of their actions as we would of the actions of men. As a consequence, an animal may be pronounced at one moment quiet and intelligent, and at another obstinate and dull, while perhaps, if the truth were known, it deserves neither verdict.

For my own part, the more I contemplate the habits of many members of the marine animal kingdom, the more am I astounded at the seeming intelligence and purpose manifested in many of their actions. Prior, apparently, must have been impressed with the same idea, for he says, speaking of animals,—

"Vainly the philosopher aversThat reason guides our deeds, and instincttheirs.How can we justly different causes frameWhen the effects entirely are the same?Instinct and reason, how can we divide?'Tis the fool's ignorance, and the pedant's pride!"

This train of thought has been suggested to my mind by viewing the singular conduct of a Shore-Crab, whom I kept domesticated for many consecutive months. Three times during his confinement he casthis exuvium, and had become nearly double his original size. His increased bulk made him rather unfit for my small ocean in miniature, and gave him, as it were, a loblolliboy appearance. Besides, he was always full of mischief, and exhibited such pawkiness, that I often wished he were back again to his sea-side home. Whenever I dropped in a meal for my Blennies, he would wait until I had retired, and then rush out, disperse the fishes, and appropriate the booty to himself. If at all possible, he would catch one of my finny pets in his arms, and speedily devour it. Several times he succeeded in so doing; and fearing that the whole pack would speedily disappear, unless stringent measures for their preservation were adopted, I determined to eject the offender. After considerable trouble, his crabship was captured, and transferred to a capacious glass.

The new lodging, though not so large as the one to which for so long a time he had been accustomed, was nevertheless clean, neat, and well-aired. At its base stood a fine piece of polished granite, to serve as a chair of state, beneath which was spread a carpet of rich green ulva. The water was clear as crystal; in fact, the accommodation, as a whole, was unexceptionable. The part of host I played myself, permitting no one to usurp my prerogative. But in spite of this, the crab from the first was extremely dissatisfied and unhappy with the change, and for hours together, day after day, he would make franticand ineffectual attempts to climb up the smooth walls of his dwelling-place. Twice a day, for a week, I dropped in his food, consisting of half a mussel, and left it under his very eyes; nay, I often lifted him up and placed him upon the shell which contained his once-loved meal; still, although the latter presented a most inviting come-and-eat kind of appearance, not one particle would he take, but constantly preferred to raise himself as high as possible up the sides of the vase, until losing his balance, he as constantly toppled over and fell upon its base.

This behaviour not a little surprised me. Did it indicate sullenness? or was it caused by disappointment? Was he aware that escape from his prison without aid was impossible, and consequently exhibited the pantomime, which I have described, to express his annoyance, and longing for the home he had lately left?

Thinking that perhaps there was not sufficient sea-weed in the glass, I added a small bunch ofI. edulis. Having thus contributed, as I believed, to the comfort of the unhappy crab, I silently bade himbon soir. On my return home, I was astonished by the servant, who responded to my summons at the door, blurting out in a nervous manner, 'O sir! the creature's run awa!' 'The creature—what creature?' I inquired. 'Do ye no ken, sir?—the wee crabbie in the tumler!'

I could scarcely credit the evidence of my sightwhen I saw the 'tumler' minus its crustaceous occupant. The first thought that occurred to me was as to where the crab could be found. Under chairs, sofa, and fender, behind book-case, cabinet, and piano, in every crevice, hole, and corner, for at least an hour did I hunt without success. Eventually the hiding-place of the fugitive was discovered in the following singular manner: As I sat at my desk, I was startled by a mysterious noise which apparently proceeded from the interior of my 'Broadwood,' which, by-the-by, I verily believe knows something about the early editions of 'The battle of Prague,' The strings of this venerable instrument descend into ill-disguised cupboards, so that at the lower part there are two doors, or, in scientific language, 'valves.' On opening one of these, what should I see but the poor crab, who, at my approach, 'did' a kind of scamper polka over the strings. This performance I took the liberty of cutting short with all possible speed. On dragging away the performer, I found that his appearance was by no means improved since I saw him last. Instead of being ornamented with gracefully-bending polypes, he was coated, body and legs, with dust and cobwebs. I determined to try the effect of a bath, and presently had the satisfaction of seeing him regain his usual comely appearance. The next step was to replace him in his old abode; and having done so, I felt anxious to know how the creature had managed toscale his prison walls. Themodus operandiwas speedily made apparent; yet I feel certain that, unless one had watched as I did, the struggles of this little fellow, the determination and perseverance he exhibited would be incredible.

After examining his movements for an hour, I found, by dint of standing on the points of his toes, poised on a segment of weed, that he managed to touch the brim of the glass. Having got thus far, he next gradually drew himself up, and sat upon the edge of the vessel. In this position he would rest as seemingly content as a bird on a bush, or a schoolboy on a gate.

My curiosity satisfied, theC. mænaswas again placed in the vase, and every means of escape removed.

Here let me mention that I still had a Fiddler-Crab in my large tank, who had formerly lived in companionship with the shore-crab above mentioned. With 'the fiddler' I had no fault to find; he was always modest and gentle, and gave no offence whatever to my Blennies. He never attempted to embrace them, nor to usurp their lawful place at the table, nor even to appropriate their meals. On the contrary, he always crept under a stone, and closely watched the process of eating until the coast was clear, when he would scuttle out, and feed, Lazarus-like, upon any crumbs that might be scattered around.

Although so modest and retiring, I soon discoveredthat this little crab possessed an ambitious and roving disposition. This made him wish to step into the world without, and proceed on a voyage of discovery—to start, indeed, on his own account, and be independent of my hospitality, or the dubious bounty of his finny companions. Taking advantage on one occasion of a piece of sandstone that rested on the side of the aquarium, he climbed up its slanting-side, from thence he stepped on to the top of the vessel, and so dropped down outside upon the room floor. For nearly two days I missed his familiar face, but had no conception that he had escaped, or that he wished to escape from his crystal abode. It was by mere accident that I discovered the fact.

Entering my study, after a walk on a wet day, umbrella in hand, I thoughtlessly placed this useful article against a chair. A little pool of water immediately formed upon the carpet, which I had no sooner noticed, than I got up to remove theparapluieto its proper place in the stand, but started back in surprise, for in the little pool stood the fugitive fiddler moistening his branchiæ.

Taking up the little prodigal who had left my protection so lately, I soon deposited him in a vase of clear salt water. After a while, thinking it might conduce to the happiness of both parties, I placed him in companionship with his old friend,Carcinus mænas. This, like many other philanthropic projects, proved a complete failure. Both creatures,once so harmless towards each other, seemed suddenly inspired by the demon of mischief. Combats, more or less severe, constantly occurring, in a few days I separated them.

The 'fiddler' I placed in the large tank, where he rested content, and never again offered to escape—evidently the better of his experience. Not so his old friend, who still continued obstinate and miserable as ever. In his case I determined to see if a certain amount of sternness would not curb his haughty spirit. For two days I offered him no food, but punished him with repeated strokes on his back, morning and evening. This treatment was evidently unpleasant, for he scampered about with astonishing rapidity, and ever endeavoured to shelter himself under the granite centre-piece. When I thought he had been sufficiently chastised, I next endeavoured to coax him into contentment and better conduct. My good efforts were, however, unavailing. Every morning I placed before him a newly-opened mussel, but on no occasion did he touch a morsel. All day he continued struggling, as heretofore, to climb up the side of his chamber, trying by every means in his power to escape. This untameable disposition manifested itself for about a week, but at the end of that time, on looking into the vase, I saw the crab seated on the top of the stone, his body resting against the glass. I then took up a piece of meat and placed it beforehim. To my surprise he did not run away as usual. Having waited for some minutes, and looking upon his obstinacy as unpardonable, I tapped him with a little stick—still he never moved. A sudden thought flashed across my mind; I took him up in my hand, examined him, and quickly found that he was stiff and dead!

There is a little crab,Porcellana longicornis, or Minute Porcelain-Crab, frequently to be met with in certain localities.

The peculiarity of this creature is the thickness and the great disproportionate length of his arms, as compared with the size of his pea-like body. He possesses a singular habit which I have not observed in any other crustaceans. He does not sit under a stone, for instance, but always lies beneath such object with his back upon the ground; so that when a boulder is turned over, these crabs are always found sitting upon it, whereas the shore-crabs, when the light of day is suddenly let in upon them, scamper off with all possible speed; or if any remain, it appears as if they had been pressed to death almost, by the weight of the stone upon their backs.

The colour ofP. longicornisis that of prepared chocolate, shaded off to a warm red.

Another crab, equally common with those already mentioned, is to be met with when dredging, and in most rock-pools. At Wardie, near Edinburgh, Ihave seen hundreds of all sizes hiding beneath the rocks at low tide. Its scientific name isHyas araneus, but it is better known as one of the Spider-Crabs. It claims close relationship with that noted crustaceous sanitory reformer,Maia squinado. Although this H. araneus is a somewhat pleasant fellow when you get thoroughly acquainted with his eccentricities, appearances are sadly against him at starting. Speaking with due caution and in the gentlest manner possible, consistent with truth, I must say that this crab is, without exception, one of the dirtiest-looking animals I have ever met with in my zoological researches. At a by no means hasty glance, he appears to be miraculously built up of mud, hair, and grit on every part, except his claws, which are long and sharp as those of any bird of prey.

The first specimen I ever saw, seemed as if he had been dipped in a gum pot, and then soused over head and ears in short-cut hair and filth.

The second specimen, although equally grimy, had some redeeming points in his personal appearance, for at intervals every part of his back and claws were covered with small frondlets of ulva, dulse,D. sanguinea, and other beautiful weeds, all of which were in a healthy condition. After keeping him in a vase for a week, he managed, much against my wish, to strip himself of the greater part of these novel excrescences.

Instead of minute algæ, we read that these crabsare sometimes found with oysters (Ostrea edulis) attached to their backs. Mr. W. Thompson mentions two instances where this occurs, with specimens ofH. araneus, to be seen in Mr. Wyndman's cabinet. Speaking of these, he adds, 'The oyster on the large crab is three inches in length, and five or six years' old, and is covered with many large Balani. The shell, a carapace of the crab, is but two inches and a quarter in length, and hence it must, Atlas-like, have born a world of weight upon its shoulders. The presence of the oyster affords interesting evidence that the Hyas lived several years after attaining its full growth.

For days after I had brought him home, my second specimen appeared as if he were dead, and it was only by examining his mouth through a hand lens that I could satisfy myself as to his being alive. When I pushed him about with an ivory stick he never resisted, but always remained still upon the spot where I had urged him.

This species ofactinghe has given up for some time, and at the present moment I rank H. araneus among my list of marine pets, for he does not appear any longer to pine for mud with which to decorate his person, but is quite content to 'purge and live cleanly' all the rest of his days.

The ancients imagined thatMaia squinadopossessed a great degree of wisdom, and further believed him to be sensible to the divine charms of music.It is very curious, as well as true, that this animal has in a far higher degree than other crustaceans, a gravity of demeanour, and a profound style of doing everything, that always excites our irreverent laughter, but at the same time leaves an impression that, if justice were done, the animal ought to hold a higher position in the marine world than a scavenger and devourer of ocean garbage. IfMaiaandC. mænasbe both eating out of the same dish, in the shape of an open mussel, the former seems ever inclined to admonish his companion upon greediness and want of manners. The only seeming reason whyM. squinadodoes not really give such advice, is because of the impossibility of any individual speaking with his mouth full. The knowledge, too, that if he commenced a pantomimic discourse, it would give his young friend an opportunity of gaining too large a share of the banquet, may, perhaps, have something to do with his preferring to remain quiet.

As forMaia'spossession of appreciative musical qualities, I can only state that both he and his friendHyasreally do convey to the beholder an impression confirmatory of this statement. I have frequently been amused to observe the singular phenomenon of each animal coming to the side of the vase and rocking his body to and fro, in apparent delight at the exercise of my vocal abilities, just as when a pleasing melody is being played in the concert room, we bend backwards and forwards, and beat time to the tune.These animals also adopt the same course: it must be to unheard music (which the poets say is sweetest), that seems ever and anon to fall on their ears, giving them great delight.

The movements here alluded to may be in no way influenced by music; but such as they are, it is curious that they have not been noticed as an apparent explanation of the origin of the ancient belief regarding the Spider-Crabs.

A friend, on one occasion having procured for me, among other objects, a Common Limpet, I placed this mollusc in my aquarium, and soon had the pleasure of watching it affix its broad foot to the surface of the glass. After a while, on the Limpet slightly raising its canopy, I was surprised to observe a little Shore-Crab peer out from between the foot and shell. On suddenly ejecting the intruder by means of a small brush, he speedily hid himself from view among the surrounding pebbles. A few hours after, on again approaching the tank to view the Patella (which was easily identified, from the fact of an immense colony of Mussels being settled on its back), I found to my great astonishment that the crab had re-seated himself in his old position. I often repeated the sweeping operation, but without success, for the little rascal had become artful, and was not inclined to be driven forth a second time by acoup de main. I touched the Limpet frequentlyand saw it glue itself, as usual, to the glass; but, singular to state, the creature always left a larger space between its foot and the circumference of the shell on the side at which the crab was seated, than on the opposite one, seemingly from a wish to accommodate its crustaceous friend. This space, moreover, let me observe, was larger than was absolutely necessary, for, as the shell was not air-tight, I was enabled to thrust my camel-hair pencil teazingly upon the crab, and was much amused to watch him clutch at the intruding object, and, at times, move about with it in his grasp, thus proving that he was by no means uncomfortably 'cabin'd, cribb'd, confin'd.'

For a whole week the crab remained in his favorite lodgings, and only resigned occupancy thereof when his friend gave up the shell—and died.

There is a certain species of crab,Pinnotheres pisum, or common Pea-Crab, frequently found inMytilus edulis, the Oyster, and the Common Cockle. Indeed, one gentleman states, that on his examining, on two occasions, a large number of specimens of theCardium edule, he found that nine out of every ten cockles contained a crab. Still, in no other instance than the one my own experience furnishes, have I ever heard of the Shore-Crab, or, indeed, of any other crustacean, becoming the guest ofPatella.

The classical reader will not fail to remember Pliny's statement (somewhat analogous to that above narrated) of a small crab,Pinnotheres veterum,which is always found to inhabit the Pinna,—a large species of mussel. This latter animal being blind, but muscularly strong, and its juvenile companion quick-sighted, but weak of limb, the crab, it is said, always keeps a sharp look-out, and when any danger approaches, he gladly creeps into the gaping shell for protection. Some writers assert, that when the bivalve has occasion to eat, he sends forth his faithful henchman to procure food. If any foe approaches,Pinnotheresflies for protection with his utmost speed to the anxious bosom of his friend, who, being thus warned of danger, closes his valves, and escapes the threatened attack. When, on the contrary, the crab loads himself with booty, he makes a gentle noise at the opening of the shell, which is closed during his absence, and on admission, this curious pair fraternize, and feast on the fruits of the little one's foray.

For those of my readers who may prefer verse to prose, I here append a poetical version of this fable—equally pretty, but, let me add in a whisper, equally opposed to fact, at least in its principal details:—

'In clouded depths below, the Pinna hides,And through the silent paths obscurely glides;A stupid wretch, and void of thoughtful care,He forms no bait, nor lays no tempting snare;But the dull sluggard boasts acrabhis friend,Whose busy eyes the coming prey attend.One room contains them, and the partners dwellBeneath the convex of one sloping shell:Deep in the watery vast the comrades rove,And mutual interest binds their constant love;That wiser friend the lucky juncture tells,When in the circuit of his gaping shellsFish wandering enters; then the bearded guideWarns the dull mate, and pricks his tender side.He knows the hint, nor at the treatment grieves,But hugs the advantage, and the pain forgives:His closing shell the Pinna sudden joins,And 'twixt the pressing sides his prey confines.Thus fed by mutual aid, the friendly pairDivide their gains, and all their plunder share.'

There is one singular feature in the Crustacea which it may prove interesting to dwell a little upon. I allude to their power of living apparently without food, or at least without any other sustenance than is afforded by the animalculæ contained in the water in which they dwell. One accurate observer states that he kept a Cray-fish for a period of two years, during which time the only food the animal received was a few worms,—not more than fifty altogether. This statement I have often had ample means of verifying. Yet, on the other hand, strange to say, the crab is always on the hunt after tit-bits; and nothing seems to give him greater delight than a good morning meal, in the shape of a newly opened Mussel, Cockle, and above all—a Pholas. Let a youthful crustacean cast its shell, and rest assured, unless its companions have had their appetites appeased, they will endeavour to fall upon and devour the defenceless animal. This, to my chagrin and annoyance, I have known to occur repeatedly. When nothing else can be procured, not only the Lobster Crabs, but any Brachyurous Decapods who may be at hand, will set to work, and industriously pick off and eat the Acorn-Barnaclesattached to any object within reach. These facts show that the asceticism of the crab is not voluntary, and that when opportunity occurs, he is as fond of a good dinner as are animals possessed of a higher degree of organization.

It will be gratifying if other observers are able to verify the circumstance which I shall allude to hereafter, and which would seem to show that theexuviationof crustacea is expedited by affording specimens an unlimited supply of food.

'The organs for pursuing, seizing, tearing, and comminuting the food of the Brachyurous Decapods,' says Professor Bell, 'are carried to a high degree of development; ... these appendages consist of six pairs, of which some are actual organs of mastication, as the mandibles or the true jaws, the foot jaws or pedipalps, generally serving to keep the food in contact with the former, whilst it is being broken up by them.

'The buccal orifice in the Brachyura occupies the interior face of the cephalic division of the body, and is bounded anteriorly by a crustaceous lamina of determinate form, which has been termed the upper lip, and posteriorly by another, termed the lower lip. The mandibles occupy the sides of the opening. After these, and external to them, are the first, and then the second pair of true jaws, followed by the three pairs of pedipalps or foot jaws, the last of which, when at rest, close the mouth, and includethe whole of the preceding ones. In the Macroura the pedipalps are very different in their forms, and have the aspect of very simple feet.

'The means of comminuting the food are not restricted to the complicated machinery above referred to, for the stomach itself contains a very remarkable apparatus, consisting of several hard calcareous pieces, which may be termedgastric teeth. They are attached to horny or calcareous levers, fixed in the parietes of the stomach; they are moved by a complicated system of muscles, and are admirably adapted to complete the thorough breaking-down of the aliment, which had already been to a considerable extent affected by the buccal appendages. These gastric teeth may be readily seen and examined in the larger species of Decapoda, as in the large eatable crab and the lobster; and it will be readily perceived how perfectly the different pieces are made to act upon each other, and to grind the food interposed between them.'

Having been on a certain day at the sea-side collecting, I was amused to observe the movements of two ragged little urchins, who approached near to where I stood, bottle in hand, examining some beautiful zoophytes by aid of a pocket lens. One of them had a short iron rod, with which he very dexterously hooked out any unfortunate crab who happened to have taken up its quarters in some crevice or beneath a boulder. Having captured aspecimen, it was handed over to his companion, who quickly tied it to a string which he held in his hand.

I had seen many a rope of onions, but this was the first time I had seen a rope of crabs. On inquiry, I learned that the boys had taken two dozen animals in about two hours. When any of the green-bellied crabs happened to be poked out, they were allowed to escape back again as quickly as they pleased.

With poorCancer pagurusthe case was different,—every specimen, as soon as caught, being strung up, and doomed to 'death in the pot.'

The above, I need scarcely state, is not the usual manner of fishing for crabs, the approved plan being to take them in what are termed crab-pots, 'a sort of wicker-trap made, by preference, of the twigs of the golden willow (salex vitellina), at least in many parts of the coast, on account, as they say, of its great durability and toughness. These pots are formed on the principle of a common wire mousetrap, but with the entrance at the top; they are baited with pieces of fish, generally of some otherwise useless kind, and these are fixed into the pots by means of a skewer. The pots are sunk by stones attached to the bottom, and the situation where they are dropped is indicated, and the means of raising them provided, by a long line fixed to the creel, or pot, having a piece of cork attached to the free end of the line; these float the line, and at the sametime serve to designate the owners of the different pots—one, perhaps, having three corks near together towards the extremity of the line, and two distant ones—another may have one cork fastened crosswise, another fastened together, and so on. It is, of course, for their mutual security that the fishermen abstain from poaching on their neighbour's property; and hence we find that stealing from each other's pots is a crime almost wholly unknown amongst them.'

'The fishery for these crabs constitutes an important trade on many parts of the coast. The numbers which are annually taken are immense; and, as the occupation of procuring them is principally carried on by persons who are past the more laborious and dangerous pursuits of general fishing, it affords a means of subsistence to many a poor man who, from age or infirmity, would be unable without it to keep himself and his family from the workhouse.'[3]

'Finding on the shoarSom handsome shell, whose native lord of lateWas dispossessed by the doom of Fate,Therein he enters, and he takes possessionOf th' empty harbour, by the free concessionOf Nature's law—who goods that owner want,Alwaies allots to the first occupant.'—Du Bartas.

Crabs and Ship Barnacles

1 COMMON HERMIT-CRAB (Pagurus bernhardus) in shell of common Whelk2 COMMON HERMIT-CRAB out of shell3 SHIP BARNACLES

Twicein every twenty-four hours the waters of the ocean ebb and flow. Twice only in each month, however, do the spring-tides occur. For there are few dangers that the ardent student of nature would not encounter. Lord Bacon tells of a certain bishop who used to bathe regularly twice every day, and on being asked why he bathed thus often, answered, 'Because I cannot conveniently bathethreetimes.' The zoologist, like the 'right reverend father' alluded to, would willingly undergo what appears to others much hardship and trouble, not only once or twice, but even three times daily, in pursuit of his favourite studies, did Nature but offer the kind convenience.

On these occasions the zoologist can pursue his researches at the shore, at a distance beyond the usual tidal line. Numerous boulders and rock-pools, during many days covered by the sea, being then laid bare and exposed to his eager, searching hands and eyes, he is frequently able to discover many rare objects, or,at least, common ones revelling in almost giant-like proportions, and wonderful profusion.

The Soldier or Hermit-Crabs (to an account of whom we intend to devote this chapter), offer a most remarkable proof of this. Occupying the centre of a rocky excavation, I have repeatedly found several dozen of these comical creatures, each inhabiting the cast-off shell of a defunct Whelk (Buccinum undatum), which measured not less than five or six inches in length. To my surprise these aldermanic crustaceans possessed no companions of a smaller growth; while at a few yards nearer shore, as many shells would be found congregated together as in the more distant pool,—the largest, however, being no bigger than a damson, while the smallest might be compared to an infantile pea, or cherry-stone.

I cannot explain this appearance otherwise, than by supposing that theAnomourabecome prouder, or, it may be, more cunning, as they grow older, and, having arrived at their full development, they fit themselves with their final suit; thereafter, in a spirit of aristocratic exclusiveness, they retire to fashionable subaqueous residences, distant as far as possible from the homes of thecanaille, who inhabit the common, littoral boundaries of the shore.

The peculiarity, to which I alluded, of theAnomouraoccupying shells that have formerly belonged to other animals, is so strange that some writers have not hesitated to express doubt uponthe subject. This denial of a fact, which can so readily be proved, is one of the 'curiosities of literature.' Swammerdam, a Dutch naturalist contemptuously observes, 'What an idle fable that is which is established even among those who study shell-fishes, when they show some kind of the crab kind in their museums, adding at the same time, that they pass from one shell to another, devour the animals that lived in those shells, and keep them for their own habitations. They dignify them with the high-sounding names, and additions, as Soldiers, Hermits, and the like; and thus, having no experience, they commit gross errors, and deceive themselves, as well as others, with their idle imaginations.'

That there is nothing mythical in the matter can easily be made apparent to any person who chooses to visit the sea-shore. At such locality he need have no difficulty in recognising the Hermit-Crab, or meeting with numerous specimens for examination. Supposing such a one is at a rock-pool, and, moreover, that he knows by sight the Buckie (periwinkle), and Common Whelk, he will probably in such case be aware that the animals occupying these shells are snail-like in construction, and that their locomotion is consequently slow and formal. If, therefore, when peering into any pool he sees the Buckie, for instance, apparently change its nature, and instead of

'Dragging its slow length along,'

scamper off suddenly, or roll over and over from thetop of an eminence to the bottom, he may rest assured that the original inhabitant has departed, and that its place is occupied by a Lobster-Crab.

The cause of his strange peculiarity I will briefly explain.

In the true Lobster the tail forms a most valuable appendage. In the tail the principal muscular power of the animal is seated; and by means of it, too, the animal is enabled to spring to a considerable distance, and also to swim through the water at will. This important organ is well protected by a casing consisting of a 'series of calcareous rings, forming a hard and insensible chain armour.'

In the Lobster-Crab there is no such arrangement. 'The abdominal segment of this singular animal, instead of possessing the same crustaceous covering as the rest of his body and claws, is quite soft,and merely enveloped in a thin skin. To protect this delicate member from the attacks of his voracious companions, the poor Pagurus is compelled to hunt about for some Univalve, such as a Whelk or Trochus, and having found this, he drops his tail within the aperture and hooks it firmly to the columella of the shell. Why Providence has doomed the poor Hermits to descend to such physical hypocrisy, and clothe themselves in the left-off garments of other animals, it is not easy to conjecture. No doubt, besides the defence of their otherwise unprotected bodies, he has some other object of importance inview. Perhaps they may accelerate the decomposition of the shells they inhabit, and cause them sooner to give way to the action of the atmosphere; and as all exuviæ may be termed nuisances and deformities, giving to these deserted mansions an appearance of renewed life and locomotion, removes them in some sort from the catalogue of blemishes.'

Professor Jones, when treating of this class of animals, forcibly remarks that 'the wonderful adaptation of all the limbs to a residence in such a dwelling, cannot fail to strike the most curious observer. TheChelæ, or large claws, differ remarkably in size, so that when the animal retires into its concealment, the smaller one may be entirely withdrawn, while the larger closes and guards the orifice. The two succeeding pairs of legs, unlike those of the Lobster, are of great size and strength, and instead of being terminated by pincers, end in strong-pointed levers, whereby the animal can not only crawl, but drag after it, its heavy habitation. Behind these locomotive legs are two feeble pairs, barely strong enough to enable the Soldier-Crab to shift his position in the shell he has chosen; and the false feet attached to the abdomen are even still more rudimentary in their development. But the most singularly altered portion of the skeleton is the fin of the tail, which here becomes transformed into a kind of holding apparatus by which the creature retains a firm grasp of the bottom of his residence.'

So great is the power of the animals to retain hold of their shell, and so intense their dislike to be forcibly ejected therefrom, that they will often allow their bodies to be pulled asunder, and sacrifice their life rather than submit to such indignity. This fact I have proved on sundry occasions. But supposing a crab to have taken a fancy to a shell, occupied by some brother Pagurus, (a circumstance of frequent occurrence), he quickly proceeds to dislodge the latter. Curious to state, this process never seems attended with any fatal result.

When watching the operation, it has appeared to me as if the crab attacked preferred to yield rather than be subjected to continuous annoyance, and the discomfort of keeping for so long a time buried within the inner recesses of his dwelling.

The contrast in appearance of the Hermit-Crab when seated in his shell, and crawling about minus such appendage, is great indeed.

This the reader will readily perceive by examining the Illustrations onPlate 4, which are drawn from nature, and are truthful portraitures of this singular creature.

I have already mentioned the extreme difficulty there is in expelling a Lobster-Crab. This, be it understood, applies only to the animal in good health; for no sooner does he feel sick than he instantly leaves his shell, and crawls about in a most pitiable plight. He sometimes becomes convalescentagain by being placed solus in some fresh water, or laid out in the air for a few moments. But he ought, on no account, when in a sickly condition, to be allowed to hide himself beneath any pieces of rock or shadow of the Algæ.

If he is out of sight, be sure not to let him be out of mind; for, should he die in the tank, and his body be allowed to remain for any length of time, he will very soon afford you full proof that such toleration on your part is anything but pleasant.

Although, as already stated, this animal cannot be drawn out of his shell except by extreme force, the object can easily be obtained by aid of strategy. Having been for some time at a loss how to give certain young visitors a sight of the Hermit-Crab in his defenceless state, I, by accident, hit upon the following simple plan:—

With a piece of bent whalebone I lifted up a Pagurus, shell and all, and allowed the latter to drop upon the outer row of the tentacula of an Actinia, which quickly stuck fast to the intruding object. The crab at first did not seem fully alive to his critical position. He popped out of his shell and looked unsuspectingly around, until catching sight of my face, he instantly retired from view with a casket-like snap. In a minute he was out again, and this time prepared to change his position. For this purpose he gave several successive pulls, butfinding all his efforts to remove his carriage unavailing, he unhooked his tail and scrambled down among the pebbles. My purpose was thereby gained, for the next moment he was resting in the palm of one of my juvenile friends, who seemed quite delighted with his prize. Twice afterwards, being in a mischievous mood, I gave the crab a fright in the way just mentioned; but it was quite evident, that what might be sport to me was death to him, for he was both annoyed and alarmed at my procedure. Even when guiltless of any intention of touching the creature, if I merely showed him the cane he immediately hobbled away at the utmost rate of speed he could muster. On several occasions I followed after and brought him back to the edge of the tank, although such conduct met with his strongest disapproval, and caused him for some time to sulk beneath an arch-way of rock work, away from the reach of vulgar eyes.

Upon the side and near the base of my tank a fine specimen of the Limpet was at one time attached. From the centre of its shell a forest of sea-grass waved gracefully, shadowing a large colony of Barnacles thickly clustered beneath. Soon the Patella decided upon taking its usual morning stroll in search of food, a task of little difficulty, standing as the animal already did upon the margin of a broad meadow, richly coated with a verdant growth, composed of the infant spores of the Ulva. Slowlymoving along, the Patella, with its riband-like band of teeth, swept off the luscious weed in a series of graceful curves, thus making an abundant and healthful meal. Before proceeding far, however, he was forced to bear the weight of a Soldier-Crab, who had most unceremoniously climbed upon his back, and taken up a position at the base of thelatissimafronds.

There seemed so much nonchalance about the Pagurus that I determined to watch his movements, and, if possible, to see how he would manage to descend from a position which, if the mollusc continued his mowing operations, would soon be unenviably high.

In about an hour the Limpet had reached the level of the water in the aquarium, and there took up his abode for the night. Next day and the next there was no change of situation. The crab now began evidently to perceive the danger of the position in which he was placed, for he constantly moved to and fro, and peered over into what must have seemed to him an unfathomable abyss.

While I stood, the Patella made a sudden movement of its shell—so sudden, indeed, as to startle its companion, who quickly put out his claws to save himself from falling. Unfortunately, in his spasmodic gesture he allowed the tip of one of his claws to intrude under the edge of the conical canopy, thus, in fact, pricking the fleshy 'mantle' of the animalwithin, who instantly, of course, glued itself to the glass with immoveable firmness. I suppose the same thing must have frequently occurred without my knowledge, for after a lapse of several days the Pagurus and his bearer were still in the same spot. I felt a growing alarm for the continued health of the Hermit-Crab, from the fact of its being poised so directly over the ever-expanded tentacles of a large Anemone. To prevent any mishap, I went to lift his crabship, with a view of transferring him to a place of safety, when, no sooner did he perceive the advancing forceps, than he rushed into his shell with a sudden and audible 'click,' forgetting for the moment that he stood on such ticklish ground. The consequence was that, seeking to avoid Scylla, he fell into Charybdis. In other words, he dropped plump upon the well-gummed tenter-hooks of the Crassicornis, which instantly closed and engulphed its prize. In vain did I endeavour with all speed to pick out the devoted Pagurus. The more I tried, the more firmly did the Actinia hold him in its convulsive grasp.

With extremely few exceptions, the Hermit-Crabs are always found to be a prying, prowling, curious class of animals, and are ever, like the husband of the fair Lady Jane—

'Poking their nose (?) into this thing and that.'

They will turn over each shell and pebble that comes in their way, and examine it with profound attention, or industriously climb up and roll down hillocksand trees in the shape of small rocks and sea-weeds, much to their danger.

I once possessed a Hermit-Crab, whose voracious movements afforded considerable amusement to myself and my friends. My Diogenes—or, as the Cockney news-boys used to pronounce the now extinct comic periodical,Dodgenes—on a certain occasion had climbed up a segmentally cut frond of Irish Moss. On reaching the topmost point, his weight became too great for the weed to bear; so, finding he was losing his equilibrium, in great alarm he made a clutch at the first object that stood near, in order to save him from falling.

A mussel was moored hard by, to the side of the vase by means of its silken byssus threads, and upon this friendly bivalve the Pagurus leaped by aid of his long taper legs. Unluckily the shell of the Mytilus was open, and the crab unwittingly thrusting his toe within the aperture, the intruding object was of course instantly gripped by the mollusc. This accident put him in a terrible fright. His gestures were most excited, and no wonder. Let the reader fancy himself hanging on to a window sill, at a height say of twenty feet from the ground, with the sash-frame fixed on his hand, and a huge iron foot-bath, or some such object, attached to the lower part of his body, and he will have a tolerably correct idea of the painful position of our crustacean friend.

After curling and uncurling his tail, and tryingseveral times in vain to throw his tub upon the valve of the mussel, he released hold of his encumbrance, and allowed it to drop. Although still hanging, he had no difficulty in rolling up his 'continuation,' and elevating his body to the walls of his prison. Once again upon solid ground, he laboured hard to get his leg free. But unsuccessful in his efforts, he adopted another course, and snapped it off in a rage.

Scarcely, however, was the act of mutilation finished, when the stupid animal apparently seemed anxious to recover his lost toe, (which I may mention, had in reality fallen down among the pebbles).

After scraping, then resting, and scraping again, many successive times, he at last succeeded in diving the points of his largest claw into the chasm formed by the gaping mollusc. Of course, the member was held as if by a powerful vice. Very soon his courage deserted him, and he seemed to wait and weep despairingly for fate to release him from the sad predicament into which he had foolishly fallen. Alas! he little knew the singular part that fickle fortune had doomed him to play,—to become, if I may so term it, a kind of Prometheus in the tank.

My pack of fishes, having been on short rations for several days, had become exceedingly ravenous, and consequently were keeping a sharp look-out for scraps. Hence their intense delight on catching sight of the devoted 'Dodgenes' can readilybe imagined. Such a deliciousmorceauwas perfectly irresistible:—

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