ORNITHORHYNCHUS 187 



found in numbers in the broad pools of the rivers of Tasmania and 

 the south of AustraHa. Insects, worms, etc., which it finds in the 

 mud at the bottom of the water, are its staple food. 



The nest of this animal is made in a burrow in the bank of the 

 river. There are generally two entrances to the nest, one opening 

 below the surface of the water, and the other in the bank above. 



Ornithorhynchus (Water-mole or Duck-mole) 



These passages lead into a chamber which contains the nest, at 

 some distance from the water. 



The body of the ornithorhynchus is specially built for life in 

 the water. The animal is therefore a splendid swimmer, and, 

 as might be expected, it is not very active on land. 



The ornithorhynchus is a very shy animal, and does not often 

 expose itself, except when it is getting dark. 



