The ancients imagined that _Maia squinado_ possessed 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. If _Maia_ and _C. mænas_ be 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 why _M. squinado_ does 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 for _Maia's_ possession of appreciative musical qualities, I can only state that both he and his friend _Hyas_ really 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. * * * * *