Nov..1 



iqi2 J 



Kershaw, Breeding Habits and Young of Platypus. loj 



narrow ridge of earth separating the two holes being worn 

 smooth, as though the animal, when passing up, came out of 

 one and immediately entered the other. These surface-holes 

 are probably for use during tfood times, when the entrance is 

 under water. 



Along the steep, muddy bank, close to the water's edge, the 

 tracks made by the animals when passing to and from the 

 water through the grass tussocks were easily recognized, being 

 worn fiat and smooth by the animals' wet bodies. Claw marks 

 could also be seen here and there. Such places where the 

 projecting roots of the gum-trees run into the water are, 

 apparently, most favoured for landing. 



The entrances to the burrows varied from four to five inches 

 wide and three inches high. They are always arched above 

 and quite flat below, following the shape of the animal's body. 

 This form is followed throughout the whole length of the 

 burrow, though the latter may be enlarged here and there. 

 The entrance is occasionally blocked up with earth. 



The burrows do not follow a direct line, but wind aljout, at 

 times very considerably. They always follow up the slope of 

 the bank, parallel to and rarely more than a foot below the 

 surface. In no instance was one found deeper than fifteen 

 inches, while here and there they approach within a few inches 

 of the surface. A short branch, from one to three feet long, 

 is frequently made on either side of the main burrow ; in one 

 instance four were seen — two on either side. These end 

 abruptly, without any apparent cause. Although in the same 

 class of soil, the length of the burrows varies, the shortest 

 examined being ten feet, and the longest, carefully measured, 

 thirty-five feet. While usually terminating in the nest-chamber, 

 the burrow is occasionally continued beyond the nest for a 

 foot or two. 



A peculiarity which, I believe, has not been noted before is 

 that when the burrow is occujiicd it is completely blocked 

 with earth for about a foot. This occurred in three i)laces in 

 one burrow, and is ajit to lead one to conclude that the end 

 has been reached. From this it is also assumed that the 

 female does not leave the nest for some time after the eggs 

 are laid or the heljiless young are hatched, and during the time 

 the latter are attached to the mother. The object in so 

 securely blocking the burrow is, probably, for protection against 

 flood water in the event of a sudden rise of the river, or from 

 l)ossible enemies. Unless the block is removed from time to 

 time, however, it is difficult to concei\ e how the animal obtains 

 sufficient air during her lengthened seclusion. 



The ncst-chamlier is rounded in form, the bottom always 

 being mucli lower than the lloor of the burrow, which enters 



