12 



MAMMAXIA. 



whicli seem to be preserved the botanical and zoological types 

 and creations belonging to very ancient periods of our globe. 



The Family of Orxithoehync;hus. — Tbe Ornitborbjniclius 

 ("bird's beak," from opviQ, a bird, and piyyiog, beak) is an animal 

 organised for tbe aquatic life. Its feet have five toes, tenninated 

 by stout nails. The front feet are completely palmated or webbed, 

 and the interdigital membrane is very highlj^ developed, for it 



J/ 







Fij:^. 1. — Duckbill {Omithorhyiiclius anatimts). 



extends bej'ond the nails. The tail is broad, of middling length, 

 and flattened on its lower surface, to facilitate swimmius'. The 

 beak is flattened, and is not much unlike that of a Swan or Duck. 

 Two great horny excrescences, placed on each jaw, supply the 

 place of molars. Its coat is pretty thick, and is of a brown colour, 

 more or less tinged with russet. 



In the males, the heels of the posterior members are each 

 armed with a spur or dew claw, pierced with a hole at its extremity. 



