MONOTREMATA. 131 



THE PORCUPINE ANT-EATER (E. Hystrix). 



Echidna. 



This animal, (E. Hystrix,} the Porcupine Ant- 

 eater, as it is called in the colonies, is readily dis- 

 tinguished by the upper parts of its body being 

 clothed with a dense coat of spines like those of the 

 hedgehog, but stouter. The rest of the body is 

 covered with bristly blackish hair. The short but 

 strong feet are furnished with enormous convex 

 claws, which are most effective in burrowing. The 

 flattened beak-like muzzle is covered with a thick 

 naked skin ; and the glutinous tongue is capable of 

 being thrust out as in the true Ant-eaters, and for 

 the same purpose. It appears to possess a truly 

 reptilian power of abstinence. One which was in 

 the possession of Messrs. Quoy and Gaimard refused 

 all sustenance for a month after its capture, without 

 appearing to suffer in its general health, though it 



