﻿238 Allen's naturalist's library. 



Of the habits of two immature specimens and their dam 

 kept by him for some time in captivity, Dr. Bennett writes as 

 follows : — 



"The young animals sleep in various postures, sometimes 

 extended, and often rolled up like a Hedgehog in the shape of 

 a ball. They formed an interesting group, lying in different 

 attitudes in the box wherein I had placed them, and seemed 

 happy and contented. Thus, one was curled up like a dog, 

 keeping its back warm with its flattened tail, which was brought 

 over it ; while the other was stretched on its back, its head 

 resting, by way of a pillow, upon the body of the old one, 

 which laid on its side with its back resting against the box, — 

 the delicate beak and smooth clean fur of the young contrast- 

 ing with the rougher and dirtier appearance of the old one, — all 

 fast asleep. At another time they might be seen — a curious- 

 looking group — one lying on its back with outstretched paws, 

 another on its side, and the third coiled or rolled up like a 

 hedgehog. They shift themselves from one position to another, 

 as they may feel fatigued by lying long in the first ; but the 

 favourite posture of the young animals appears to be coiled 

 up like a ball. This is effected by the fore paws being placed 

 under the beak, with the head and mandibles bent down 

 towards the tail, the hind paws crossed over the mandibles, 

 and the tail turned up, thus completing the rotundity. 

 Although furnished with a thick coat of fur, they still seemed 

 particular about being kept warm and comfortable. They 

 would allow me to smooth their fur, but if the mtandibles were 

 touched they darted away immedi^itely, these parts appearing 

 to be remarkably sensitive. 



" I couM permit the young to run about the room as they 

 pleased, but the old specimen was so impatient, and damaged 

 the walls so much by attempts at burrowing, that I was obliged 

 to keep her a close prisoner in the box, where during the day she 



