101 



very expeditiously. They performed this mode of climbing often, so that I had 

 frequent opportunities of witnessing the manner in which it was done." 



As far as we are at present acquainted with the disposition of the Ornitho- 

 rhynchus, it is free from vicious propensities ; its extreme timidity induces it to 

 seek for solitude, and to haunt only the most unfrequented parts of rivers ; when 

 handled or disturbed, it evinces its impatience and dislike by a low growl, but 

 never shews a disposition to bite or scratch. It has been asserted that the spur 

 with which the hind leg of the male is armed is perforated, and that through it a 

 poisonous secretion is discharged, when the animal is irritated.* Mr. Bennett 

 endeavoured to ascertain the correctness of this, by seizing the hind leg of the 

 male animal, and roughly handling him ; but he could not perceive that any effort 

 was made to avail himself of the spur in his defence, and he appears to think, 

 therefore, that the statement touching the use of the spur is entirely groundless. 



This animal, though not strictly amphibious, appears to spend as much of its 

 time on the water as on the land ; its short legs and webbed feet are better adapted 

 for urging the body through the former element than over the surface of the 

 latter. In the water it finds its food, in the immediate vicinity of the water it con- 

 structs its habitation. Mr. Bennett generally indulged his captives with an occa- 

 sional swim, in which they seemed to take great delight. When placed near the 

 water (a cord having been fastened round the hind leg to prevent escape), they 

 would instinctively find their way into it, and travel up and down the stream, at 

 the same time shewing a partiality for those places that most abounded in aquatic 

 weeds. After swimming and feeding, they laid themselves down on the grassy 

 bank, combing and cleaning their coats with the claws of the hind feet. 



I am not aware that this animal has, as yet, been made, in any way, serviceable 

 to the human race. The natives of Australia use them as food, but as they 

 devour, with equal avidity, frogs, snakes, and rats, this cannot be considered as 

 any very great recommendation of their edible qualities. 



Besides the name of Ornithorhynchus, this animal is commonly known by the 

 name of Platypus, which was given to it by Dr. Shaw ; and it is still more fre- 

 quently called the Duck-billed Animal, from the peculiar form of its beak. 



* History of Austral-Asia, by R. M. Martin, F.S.S., page 111. 



