22 VEETEBEATA OF THE LOWEE MUEEAY, 



sometimes ten feet deep ; and several shafts may have to be 

 sunk, before a couple of " Bookings " can be secured. 



I have often seen several acres of ground covered with their 

 holes. 



I have no doubt that this, and, perhaps, many of the other 

 species, breeds several times during the year, but brings forth one 

 young only. The pouch of the female is furnished with 4 teats. 



It is difficult to keep them in captivity, as they are very wild 

 indeed ; and either escape by a burrow, or kill themselves in 

 running their heads against the enclosure. 



These are all the Marsupial animals proper which I have 

 observed ; it will however be necessary to say a few words about 

 the sub-class of the Marsupial Group, the Monotremata, which is 

 represented by the following species. 



22. OKNITHOEHINCHUS ANATINUS. 

 The Duck-billed Platypus. 



This singular animal does still exist in most of the tributaries 

 of the Murray, as the Loddon, Avoca, Campaspe, &c. It is ex- 

 tremely shy, and little is yet known about its habits and economy. 

 It burrows into the river bank from below the water level, and 

 according to Bennett, brings forth 3 young ones at a time ; some 

 found by that naturalist were one inch and seven-eighths in 

 length. Its food consists of fresh water worms, mollusca, worms, 

 insects, &c. 



This is about all we know of the Platypus, and cannot I do 

 better for the benefit of science than draw attention to Pro- 

 fessor Owen's remarks in his elaborate paper on the monotremata ; 

 The great anatomist says : 



" The principal points in the generative economy of this para- 

 doxical species still remain to be determined by actual observation. 



1. Manner of copulation. 



2. Season of copulation. 



3. Period of gestation . 



4. The nature and succession of the temporary structures 



developed for the support of the foetus during gestation. 



5. The exact size, condition, and powers of the young at the 



time of birth. 



