THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 165 



rate there is no well-defined entrance, with heaped up casts, as 

 found at the burrows of Engarns, sp. 



I traced one burrow upwards to the surface, where it opened 

 out under some vegetable debris, leaving unsettled the question 

 of the removal of the excavated material. In burrowing, the 

 earth is loosened by the strong spine-shaped terminal joint 

 of the first limb. 



The following diary entries, referring to specimens found, 

 appear to show that, after living in the burrow of the parents for 

 some time, the young start off on their own account, and spread 

 out over a considerable area : — 



" 22nd August. — One adult and nine young about half-inch 

 long in one chamber, under a large stone ; two smaller sized 

 adults in communicating burrow. 



" 29th August. — Two large adults and four young about three- 

 quarter-inch long, in a terminal chamber containing mud. 



" 31st October. — One adult and nineteen young from three- 

 tenths to four-tenths of an inch long in a double chamber, under 

 a large stone. 



"31st October. — Ten half-grown specimens from an area 

 of several square yards, within six inches from the surface." 



The largest specimens were taken from deep burrows, and 

 usually singly. 



Their movements are not graceful, at any rate when alarmed. 

 The alternate flexion and extension of the body necessary when 

 using the uropoda as a means of propulsion increase the 

 tendency which the animals have to roll over sideways, and 

 although this may make but little difference when supported by 

 the sides of the burrows, it is an impediment to easy and rapid 

 movement when out in the open air. 



This lateral instability is in part compensated for by the ease 

 with which they can right themselves, using chiefly the fourth 

 and fifth legs, the articulation of which favours their use for this 

 purpose. 



If picked up they either coil up or else, by rapidly bending 

 and straightening themselves, strive to escape, often producing a 

 distinct creaking stridulation, apparently connected with the 

 motion of the pleon. 



Locality. — Specimens were found commonly through the 

 parishes of Olangolah, Barramunga, and Weeaproinah, in the 

 county of Polwarth, from the northern edge of the Beech Forest 

 through to Gardiner's. As this includes a considerable area 

 of typical Beech Forest country, the animal has no doubt a 

 much wider range than the three parishes mentioned. I have 

 been told that specimens have been found so far north as 

 the junction of the Gellibrand and Love's rivers. 



