Norwich Castle Museum. T45 
- “The Ecuipna, the only member of the ‘second 
family, is a totally different animal in appearance to 
the Duck-bill; in structure of the head, as. well as in 
its habits, it resembles the Ant-eaters, but the back is 
covered with spines, varying in length in different 
races, of which there are three well-marked types. 
The first occurs at Port Moresby, New Guinea, and is 
distinguished by its small size ; the typical variety which 
is found on the Australian mainland, is of medium size; 
and the spines of the back are long and straight, often 
reaching two inches; the third and largest form is 
confined to Tasmania, and the spines of the back 
are very short, often quite concealed by the hair. 
We have specimens of the second and third varieties: 
The next division is that of METATHERIA, and 
consists of the Order MARSUPIALIA, represented by 
many species, presenting great diversity both of form; 
‘structure, and habits, but all possessing certain 
characters 1n common, which are essentially dis- 
tinctive. It may be mentioned that they are all 
implacental, the young are born in a very rudimentary 
condition, and are transferred by the parent to the 
marsupium or pouch (which, however, is developed in 
varying degrees, and in some few is not present), where 
they become attached to the nipple. The Opossums 
are the only group belonging to this order which 
are found beyond the limits of the Australian region 
and the adjacent islands. 
: The Dasyurip&, of which we have D. maculatus 
and the pretty little D. wéverrinus, are inhabitants of 
Australia and Tasmania. ‘They are small Civet-like 
animals, nocturnal, hiding in holes among rocks and 
hollow trees by daytime, and wandering forth at night 
to feed on small animals and birds. The next of the 
order is a squirrel-like animal known as the BANDED 
MyRMECOBIUs or Ant-eater (AZ. fasciatus), The ‘Tas- 
K 
