ORNITHORHYNCUS, ECHIDNA, 



357 



for some time ; and this serves for the protection of the young 

 Ornithorhyncus, as the pouch of the Opossum or Kangaroo does 

 to its helpless offspring. A very interesting account has been 

 given by Mr. G. Bennet,* of the habits of some of these ani- 

 mals, which he kept in a state of captivity, during his residence 

 in Australia. The Ornithorhyncus appears from this statement 

 to be a lively interesting creature. Its voice, which it utters 

 when alarmed or disturbed, resembles the growl of a puppy, but 

 in a softer key. It dresses its fur, combing it with its feet, and 

 pecking at it with its beak ; and seems to take great delight in 

 keeping it smooth and clean. When asleep, it sometimes rolls 

 itself up like a hedgehog, or curls itself like a dog, keeping its 

 back warm by bringing over it the flattened tail. The young 

 are playful, and gambol with one another in a very animated 

 manner. They appear to be in a great measure nocturnal, pre- 

 ferring the twilight to the glare of day. They may be fed upon 

 bread soaked in water, chopped egg, and meat minced very 

 small. Two species have been described, differing slightly in 

 colour ; but it is doubtful whether these are more than varieties. 

 The Ornithorhyncus is confined to New Holland and Van 

 Diemen's Land. 



320. The Echidna, or Porcupine Ant-eater, seems at first 



sight very different in 

 its conformation from 

 the Ornithorhyncus ; 

 but in the most im- 

 portant particulars of 

 its structure it closely 

 resembles it, though 

 differing widely in its 

 habits, and in all the 

 peculiarities connect- 

 ed with them. It is 

 about the size and form of a Hedgehog, which it also resembles 

 in having its body covered with spines ; but these are much 



FIG. 176. ECHIDNA. 



Transactions of the Zoological Society, Vol. I. 



