MAMMIFEROUS ANIMALS. 357 



has been very closely examined by other 

 naturalists, and particularly by Sir EverardHome, 

 who has stated his opinion, that the oblong verti* 

 cle fibres to be observed towards the lower part 

 of the cartilaginous edges of each mandable, and 

 consisting of horny substances with a flat surface, 

 simply adhering to the gums and without fangs, 

 are to be considered as molar teeth ; and that he 

 has discovered a short tongue furnished with 

 papillae, at the base of which are attached two 

 horny processes pointing forwards, which are in- 

 tended to prevent the food passing into the fauces 

 before it has been sufficiently masticated. 



This Animal has lately been mentioned in 

 the work of Mr. Cunningham, who appears to 

 have been a very close observer of what he saw 

 in New South Wales. He says 



" I cannot omitto noticelikewise the Ornithoryn- 

 c/ius, that remarkable animal which forms the link 

 between the bird and the beast, having a bill like 

 a Duck and paws webbed similar to that bird, but 

 legs and body like those of a quadruped, covered 

 with thick coarse hair, with a broad tail to steer 

 by. It abounds in our rivers, and may be seen 

 bobbing to the top every now and then to breath 

 like a Seal, then diving again in quest of its prey. 

 it is believed to lay eggs, as a nest with eggs in it 

 of a peculiar appearance, was some time ago found. 

 It bears a claw in the inside of its foot, having a 

 tube therein through which it omits a poisonous 



