238 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY. 
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 mandibles were 
touched they darted away immediately, these parts appearing 
to be remarkably sensitive. 
“T could 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 
