AUSTRALIA 149 
pain gradually went, but the swelling remained. Inquiries by my 
host revealed the fact that no one locally knew the nature of the 
poison, so that no antidote could be given. There were stories of 
dogs that had died soon after having been stung, and of two 
humans many years previously, the first of whom died, and the 
second was in hospital for nine weeks and very nearly died. This 
was not particularly cheerful, but I was far too busy with my col- 
lection to think about it. With my left arm in a sling I went on 
with my work as usual, feeding all my charges and making 
traveling cases with one hand. 
One or two of the local doctors took a morbid interest in me, 
mainly I think to take note of the symptoms and to see how long 
I would last. Apart from the second day, when my heart was beat- 
ing feebly and I was advised to take some dope to avoid fainting, 
I cannot say that I was very upset except for the fact that my arm 
was completely out of action. All strength went out of my left 
hand and when the swelling had finally disappeared, which was 
about ten days after the accident, my hand was still paralysed and 
incapable of even turning a door-handle; but very slowly the 
strength returned. All I have as evidence is a faint scar about one- 
third of an inch long—a distinguishing mark of which I am 
mildly proud, for I am probably unique in this respect. 
I learned afterwards that in experiments carried out on rabbits 
with platypus venom, anything in the nature of a large dose proved 
quickly fatal, the symptoms being similar to those caused by the 
bite of certain Australian snakes. 
As far as the platypus in Australia goes, it has been stated that 
it is dangerous only during the mating season, i.e., June to Septem- 
ber, and that at other times the secretion in the thigh gland is 
innocuous. However, my own experience was in late March. 
The blood temperature of the platypus is said to be considerably 
lower than that of other mammals and to vary according to atmos- 
pheric temperature. This in itself reveals a reptilian characteristic, 
and one wonders what happens in the Tasmanian lakes which are 
sometimes frozen over in the winter. The platypus may then pass 
through a period of hibernation, as it normally feeds in water, 
staying under for not more than a minute, when it surfaces to 
chew its food. 
