III. THE EGG-LAYING MAMMALS 



The young of most mammals are born alive, but a 

 few years ago it was discovered that the strange animals 



Fig. i8.— E(;G-LAViiNG Echidna. (A Moinotkeme.) 



known as monotremes (Fig. i8) laid eggs, the discovery 

 creating a widespread sensation in the scientific world. 



The ornithorhynchus (Fig. 19) is a remarkable creature, 

 seemingly being made up of a number of entirely differ- 

 ent animals. When the first specimen was sent to Eng- 

 land, the skin was very carefully examined, as it was 



27 



