28 



THE EGG-LAYING MAMMALS 



believed to be a hoax. The animal has a ducklike bill. 

 The male has a spur on the hind foot, while the fore foot 

 is webbed, suggesting the duck. The duck mole, as it is 

 also called, also lays an egg — but here the resemblance 



Fig. 19. — The Duck Mole that lays Eggs. 



to a bird ceases. The animal is covered with soft hair, and 

 nourishes its young. The duck mole is peculiar to Aus- 

 tralia and the adjacent island of Tasmania. It frequents 

 the streams of those countries, having very much the same 

 habits as the muskrat of America. It is perfectly at home 

 in the water, diving to the muddy bottom and using its 



