100 



and shrubs, and no heaps of dirt are found near it ; so that Mr. Bennett suggests 

 the probability of the animal carrying away the loose mould collected during the 

 excavation, in order that the heap, which would otherwise be formed, may not 

 point out the situation of the burrow. 



Mr. Bennett succeeded in capturing two full-furred young Ornithorhynci, in 

 one of the burrows that he examined. He conveyed them to Sidney, and was in 

 hopes of sending them alive to England ; but, though they were at first very ac- 

 tive and sprightly, in a short time they became meagre, their coats lost the sleek 

 glossy appearance indicative of health, they ate little, and at length died, about five 

 weeks from the period of their capture. As his opportunities of observing these 

 animals were considerable, and his account of their habits is the only one of much 

 value that we possess, I shall not hesitate to transcribe, in his own words, some of 

 the observations he made upon their proceedings. 



" The young animals sleep in various postures, sometimes in an extended posi- 

 tion, and often rolled up like a hedgehog, in the form of a ball." The latter pos- 

 ture, which is a favourite one with them, " is effected by the fore paws being 

 placed under the beak, with the head and mandibles bent down towards the tail, 

 the hind paws crossed over the mandibles, and the tail turned up ; thus complet- 

 ing the rotundity of the figure. They usually reposed side by side, like a pair of 

 furred balls, and awful little growls issued from them when disturbed ; but when 

 very sound asleep, they might be handled and examined with impunity. One 

 evening, both the animals came out about dusk, went as usual, and eat food from 

 the saucer, and then commenced playing one with the other like two puppies, 

 attacking with their mandibles, and raising the fore paws against each other. In 

 the struggle one would get thrust down, and at the moment when the spectator 

 would expect it to rise again and renew the combat, it would commence scratching 

 itself, its antagonist looking on, and waiting for the sport to be renewed." They 

 were very fond of combing themselves with their hind feet ; an operation they 

 generally performed after being in the water, and before retiring for the night. 

 " It was most ludicrous to observe these uncouth-looking little beasts running 

 about, overturning and seizing one another with their mandibles, and then, in the 

 midst of their fun and frolic, coolly inclining to one side, and scratching themselves 

 in the gentlest manner possible. After the cleaning operation was concluded, 

 they would perambulate the room for a short time, and then seek repose." Their 

 mode of climbing to the summit of a book-case, or any other elevated piece of 

 furniture, is very surprising, because the opportunity of exercising such an in- 

 stinct or propensity could scarcely have occurred to them when in a state of na- 

 ture ; it reminds one of a late celebrated escape from Newgate. " This was at 

 last discovered to be effected by the animal supporting its back against the wall, 

 and placing its feet against the book-case, and thus, by means of the strong cuta- 

 neous muscles of the back, and the claws of the feet, contriving to reach the top 



