25t GEOGRAPHICAL ZOOLOGY. [i-akt iv. 



Family 84.— ECHIDNID.E. (1 Geuus, 2 Species.) 



GeXEKAL DlSTKIBUTION". 



The Ecliidiia, or Australian Hedgehog, although quite as re- 

 markable iu internal structure as the OrnithorhynchuSj is not so 

 peculiar in external appearance, having very much the aspect of 

 a hedgehog or spiny armadillo. The two species of this genus 

 are very closely allied ; one inhabits East and South Australia, 

 the other Tasmania. 



Extinct Ech'idnidce. — Eemains of a very large fossil species of 

 Echidna have lately (18(38) been discovered at Darling Downs 

 in Australia. 



Remark on the Distribution of the Monotrcrnata. 



This order is the lowest and most anomalous of the mammalia, 

 and nothing resembling it has been found among the very 

 numerous extinct animals discovered in any other part of the 

 world than Australia. 



