18 THE STORY OF REPTILE LIFE. 



members of its own species are summarily evicted 

 should they presume to attempt a lodgement. 



The birds, by a mutual arrangement, occupy 

 the left, and the Tuatera the right side of the 

 chamber. It is interesting to note that whilst 

 the dark burrow serves all the purposes of a 

 nursery for the bird, which incubates its eggs, 

 it is unsuitable for this purpose for the pro- 

 prietors of the burrow, who, owing to their 

 more phlegmatic temperament are compelled to 

 seek the aid of the sun to bring their young 

 into being. The hatching time covers a rela- 

 tively enormous period thirteen months, and is 

 rendered further remarkable by the fact that the 

 development of the embryo is, for a time, during 

 the winter months, suspended so that the embryo 

 may be said to hybernate within the egg. 



Somewhat lazy in their movements as a rule, 

 crawling at a slow pace and dragging the body 

 and tail along the ground, when animated 

 by the excitement of the chase they lift the 

 whole trunk off the ground, and move with 

 some speed. This is kept up, however, only for 

 a few yards, when they grow weary and stop. 

 During the greater part of the day they sleep ; 

 and are fond of lying in the water, being able 

 to remain submerged for hours without breathing. 

 They feed only upon other animals, and these 

 they will take only when alive and moving 

 about. During the night, and especially during 

 the pairing season, they are said to croak or 

 grunt. 



