140 VERTEBRATA. MAMMALIA. 



and Mr. G. Bennett states that burrows have been 

 observed of even fifty feet in length. It was found 

 to contain two young specimens of the dimensions 

 of ten inches from the beak to the extremity of 

 the tail. The nest consisted of dry river weeds, the 

 epidermis of reeds, and small dry fibrous roots, 

 strewed over the floor of the terminal cavity. An 

 old female was captured soon after on the banks 

 of the river, in a ragged and wretched condition, 

 which was conjectured to be the mother. But lit- 

 tle milk could be pressed from her abdominal glands, 

 as might have been expected in the parent of such 

 well-grown young ones. She died at Mittagong on 

 the 1st of January, but the young ones survived 

 until some time after their arrival in Sidney. 



" Mr. Gr. Bennett proceeds to describe in detail 

 their habits in a state of captivity. Their various 

 attitudes when in a state of repose are curious : 

 the most favourite posture of the young animals 

 appears to be lying rolled up in a ball; this is 

 effected by the fore paws being placed under the 

 beak, with the head and mandibles bent down to- 

 wards the tail, the hind paws crossed over the man- 

 dibles, and the tail turned ; thus completing the 

 rotundity of the figure. The young were allowed 

 to run about the room ; but the old one was so rest- 

 less, and damaged the walls of the room so much 

 by her attempts at burrowing, that it was found 

 necessary to confine her to the box. During the 

 day she would remain quiet, huddled up with her 

 young ones ; but at night she became very restless, 



