\ 





>.-. ^M > 



.*_• 



DUCK lUl.L, Oil M(iAA.\(.,OM^.-J'hi/j/jjunJ^{a/iiiad. 



TiiK Duck Bill »>r Australia dirives its name from the cm-ious form of the fore 

 part of the head, wliiih ri'inarkal)ly nMinhles tlic beak of a duek. 



The beak is well supplied with nerves, and appears to be a sensitive organ of 

 touch, l)y lueans of vvhieli the animal is enable(l to feel r.s well as to smell the 

 inserts and other creatures on which it feeds. 



The .Mullingonj^' is an es.sentially aquatic and i)inrowing animal, and is formed 

 cxpressely for its residence in the water, or under the earth. The fur is thick, 

 soft, and is readily dried while the animal enjoys good health, although it becomes 

 wet and draggled when the creature is weakly. The opening of the cai-s is small 

 and can be closed at will, and the feet are furnished with large and complete 

 webs, extending beyond the claws in the foi-e lind)s, and to their base in the hind 

 legs. The fore -feet are cm])loyed for digging as well as for swinnning. and are 

 therefore armed with powerful claws rather \iu>vv than half an inch in length, and 

 rounded at their extremities. With such force can these natural tools be used, 

 fiiat tlie Duck-bill has been seen to make a burrow two feet in length through 

 li:ird gravelly soil in a space of ten ininutes. While digging, the ammal employs 

 its beak as well as its feet, ami the webbed membrane contracts between the 

 joints so as not to be seen. The hind-Uet of the male are furnished with a spur, 

 about an inch in length, curved, i)erlor{ited, and connected with a gland situated 

 near the ancle. 



26^ 



