THE DUCK MOLE. 765 



little molluscs, which it gathers in its cheek-pouches as long as it is 

 engaged in its search for food, and then eats quietly when it rests from 

 its labors. The teeth, if teeth they may be called, of this animal are very 

 peculiar, consisting of four horny, channeled plates, two in each jaw, 

 which serve to crush the fragile shells and coverings of the animals on 

 which it feeds. It seems seldom to feed during the day, or in the depth 

 of night, preferring for that purpose the first dusk of evening or the 

 dawn of morning. During the rest of the day it is generally asleep. 

 While sleeping, it curls itself into a round ball, the tail shutting down 

 over the head and serving to protect it. 



The young Mullingongs are curious little creatures, with soft, short 

 flexible beaks, naked skins, and almost unrecognizable as the children of 

 their long-nosed parents. When they attain to the honor of their first 

 coat, they are most playful little things, knocking each other about like 

 kittens, and rolling on the ground in the exuberance of their mirth. 

 Their little twinkling eyes are not well adapted for daylight, nor from 

 their position can they see spots directly in their front, so that a pair of 

 these little creatures that were kept by Dr. Bennett used to bump them- 

 selves against the chairs, tables, or any other object that might be in 

 their way. They bear a farther similitude to the cat in their scrupulous 

 cleanliness, and the continual washing and pecking of their fur. 



THE AUSTRALIAN HEDGEHOG. 



The family ECHIDNID^E contains one genus, which is divided into two 

 closely allied species. These animals, although quite as extraordinary 

 as the Duck Bill in their internal structure, are not so peculiar in their 

 external appearance, having very much the aspect of a hedgehog or 

 spiny ant-eater. One of the species inhabits East and South Australia, 

 the other, Tasmania. 



GENUS ECHIDNA. 



Both species have squat, thick-set bodies, short legs, very short tails; 

 the beak and tongue narrow and elongated ; the toes armed with dig- 

 ging claws ; the back covered with spines. The males, like the Duck 

 Mole, have a spur on the heel. They inhabit sandy places, where they 



