all burrow in the ground, run with very great speed, bite with marvellous severity, and associate in considerable numbers. As a general fact, they are considered as great dainties, and when properly prepared, may be ranked among the standing luxuries of their country.

As the Violet Land Crab of Jamaica (Gecarcinus ruricola), is the most familiar of these creatures, we will take it as our first example of the burrowing crustacea. This species, which is sometimes called the Black Crab, and sometimes the Toulourou, is exceedingly variable in its colouring, sometimes black, sometimes blue, and sometimes spotted. Whatever may be the colour, some tinge of blue is always to be found, so that the name of Violet Crab is the most appropriate of the three. Wherever the Land Crab makes its home, the ground is filled

with its burrows, which are as thickly sown as those of a rabbit warren, and within these habitations the crabs remain for the greater part of the day, coming out at night to feed, but being always ready to scuttle back at the least alarm.

Should, however, their retreat be intercepted, they are as ready to fight as to run, and have a curious habit of seizing the foe with one of the large claws, and then shaking off the limb at its junction with the body. As the muscles of the claw retain their tension for some little time after the connexion with the body has been severed, the enemy feels as much pain as if the crab were still living; and in the momentary confusion caused by the bite, the crab takes the opportunity to conceal itself in some crevice. As is the case with all crustaceans, it suffers but a temporary loss, a new limb soon sprouting out, and taking the place of the discarded member.

Although these warrens are seldom less than a mile from the sea, and are often made at a distance of two or even three miles, the Land Crabs are obliged to travel to the shore for the purpose of depositing their eggs, which are attached to the lower surface of the abdomen, and are washed off by the surf. Large numbers of the crabs may be seen upon their journey, which they prosecute so eagerly that they suffer no opposition to deter them from their purpose. This custom has probably given rise to the greatly exaggerated tales that have been narrated respecting these crabs, and their custom of scaling perpendicular walls rather than turn aside from the direct line of their route.

Twice in the year the Land Crabs become very fat and heavy and are then in the best condition for the table, their flesh being peculiarly rich and loaded with fat. No one seems to be tired of the Land Crab, and new comers are apt to indulge in the novel dainty to such an extent that their internal economy is sadly deranged for some little time after the banquet.

About the month of August, the Land Crab is obliged to 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 multitudinous 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 FIGHTING 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 his body, just as an accomplished boxer holds his arm, and biting with equal quickness and force. It is also a burrower, 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 residents. Having no respect for the improvements of civilization, this crab persists in burrowing into the sandy roads, and is so industrious at its excavations, that a staff of labourers is constantly 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 peculiar. It "burrows in the dry soil, making deep excavations, bringing up literally armfuls of sand, which, with a spring in the air, and employing its other limbs, it jerks far from its burrows. distributing it in a circle to the distance of many feet."

THERE is a very remarkable burrowing crustacean, called the ROBBER CRAB (Birgus latro). This creature is of a strange, weirdlike shape, difficult to explain, but easily to be comprehended by reference to the illustration. The reader can, however, form some notion of its general form, by removing a common hermit