Vv SPECIES OF ECHIDNA Hell 
In the skull the Echidna differs from Ornithorhynchus in 
the greater extension backwards of the palatines, and the larger 
size of the pterygoids. The extent and relations of these bones 
to each other is not at all unlike that which obtains in many 
Whales. The premaxillae show traces of the same divergence 
followed by convergence of their ends that is seen in the 
Platypus. There are only sixteen pairs of ribs, and either 
three or four lumbar vertebrae. Hehidna has no trace of teeth, 
and there are no horny pads which take their place; the mouth 
is as edentulous as in the true American Anteaters. The brain 
(Fig. 53) is marked by sulci, contrary to what we find in 
Ornithorhynchus. The genus has been divided into three species, 
Fig. 54.—Australian Anteater. Echidna aculeata. xt, 
but it is doubtful whether more than one can be allowed, which 
ranges from Australia through the Papuan region. While there 
is but one species of true Echidna, a New Guinea species must 
clearly be referred to a distinct genus Proechidna.’ This animal 
is to be distinguished by the fact that there are usually but 
three toes on each foot. But there are copious rudiments of 
the other phalanges, upon which claws are sometimes developed. 
The beak is curved downwards, and the back is rather arched ; 
the whole animal has the most singular likeness to an Elephant ! 
The ribs are increased by one pair, and there are four lumbar 
vertebrae. “The one species is named P. bruijnii. The Hon. W. 
Rothschild * distinguishes a form P. nigroaculeata, which is allowed 
by Mr. Lydekker. 
1 Zaglossus has apparently priority asa name ; but Proechidna is better known. 
2 Proc. Zool. Soc. 1892, p. 545. 
