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THE FIVE-CLAWED ECHIDNAS. 243 
Of these, the typical or central race, is confined to the main- 
land of Australia, and is of medium size, attaining a length 
of about 17 inches, exclusive of the tail. Next to this comes 
the Port Moresby or Papuan five-clawed Echidna, which is 
confined to south-eastern New Guinea, and is characterised by 
its smaller dimensions (length of head and body about 14 
inches), and the shorter spines of the back. Curiously enough, 
the most different from all is the hairy variety, from Tasmania, 
which attains a length of about 20 inches, and is further char- 
acterised by the greater length of the fur, which nearly conceals 
the spines, and likewise by the elongation of the claw of the 
third toe of the hind foot, which is nearly equal in length to 
that of the second. 
Habits.—As in the case of the Duck-bill, it has only been 
comparatively recently proved that the Echidna lays eggs, 
which are carried about and hatched by the female in the 
manner alluded to above; we are still, however, in need of 
much fuller information concerning the breeding-habits of 
these creatures. In order to enable them to procure with 
facility their food of ants and their larve, Echidnas are pro- 
vided with very large glands discharging into the mouth, the 
viscid secretion from which causes the ants to adhere to the 
long worm-like tongue when thrust into a mass of these insects, 
after being exposed by the digging powers of the claws of the 
Echidna’s limbs. Asa rule, in Australia these animals are found 
In sandy and rocky districts, and are especially common in the 
mountains, where they dwell in holes among the rocks. On 
level ground they move with an unsteady, shuffling gait, with 
the short and broad fore paws turned inwards, and the claws of 
the hind feet bent outwards and backwards, so that the inner 
border of the sole rests on the ground. 
Crespuscular and nocturnal in habits, the Echidna, according 
to Bennett’s account, passes most of the day asleep, and displays 
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