PLATYBUS. 383 



the jaws by flat, long plates, which are adapted to crush 

 the small molluscs and crustaceans on which it feeds. 



The Platybus inhabits Australia ; a few skins — not 

 more than a hundred or so — are imported annually. 

 Pulled and dyed they excel Fur Seal in quality, and are 

 well adapted for caps and small ornaments. \Mien 

 pulled and silvered, they are used for glove tops, and in 

 the natural state for capes, trimmings, etc. The value 

 of a skin is from Is. to 2s. 6d., according to size and 

 demand. There are several local varieties of Platybus, 

 some of which have finer fur. The Platybus lives in 

 long burrows near the water. The flesh is said to be 

 eaten and relished by the Australian natives. 



Mr. J. Nichols says that the Platybus excavates bur- 

 rows 20 to 40 feet deep, and that it has two entrances 

 to its nest, one on the land and one under water (p. 126). 

 The young are born hairless and blind, and totally un- 

 like the full-grown animal. That which becomes the 

 duck bill in the adult is a pair of short fleshy lips, with 

 which they obtain the milk. The female has no pouch : 

 the eye possesses the third eyelid or "nictitating mem- 

 brane." 



ECHIDNA. 



Echidna hystrix. 



French : Echidne. 



This small but interesting animal is only surpassed 

 in quaintness by the foregoing. Its body is covered 

 with small ajid abundant bristles or quills of about 1 inch 

 to 2 inches long, and black or light brown in colour. On 

 account of these quills it has been called the Australian 



