MONOTREMATA. 133 



is of opinion that with such precautions as these, 

 little difficulty would be experienced. " Previously 

 to embarkation, the animal should gradually be 

 weaned from its natural food of ants ; which may be 

 done 1 with great facility by giving it occasionally ants 

 and ant-eggs, (the last is, in fact, more properly 

 speaking, its common food,) but more generally 

 milk, with eggs * chopped very small, or egg alone. 

 When on board ship it should be kept in a deep 

 box, with strong bars over the top, and a door. It 

 is requisite that the box or cage be deep, because 

 the animal constantly tries its utmost to escape ; and 

 possessing very great strength, is liable to injure itself 

 in its exertions to force its way through the bars. 

 The effluvia arising from its excrement are so ex- 

 tremely fetid, that it cannot be kept altogether in 

 a cabin, unless the cage be frequently cleaned. 

 While this is being done, the Echidna may be al- 

 lowed its liberty, but must be narrowly watched, or 

 it will certainly go overboard. It is absolutely ne- 

 cessary that the eggs which are to constitute its food 

 during the voyage be as fresh as possible : they can 

 be preserved in lime-water. If milk is not to be 

 procured, water must be supplied daily ; and egg and 

 liver (or fresh meat) cut small, should be given at 

 least every alternate day; but when the weather will 

 permit, it should be fed once a day. Half an egg, 

 (boiled hard,) and the liver of a fowl or other bird 

 will suffice for a meal. Finally, the animal should be 

 kept warm, and well supplied with clean straw. It will 

 be as well to nail two or three pieces of wood (battens) 



* Fowls' eggs of course are meant. 



