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ORDERS OF MAMMALS— EGG-LAYING ANIMALS 
is very short. The food of this creature con- 
sists of aquatic insects, crustaceans and worms. 
The other Family of egg-laying mammals be- 
longing to this Order contains the Echidnas 
(pronounced E-kid' nas) of Australia and New 
Guinea. These animals are arranged in two 
genera, the Five-Toed Echidna (T achyglossus) , 
consisting of a single species which occurs in 
Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea, and the 
Three-Toed Echidnas ( Zaglossus ), comprising 
two species, are confined to New Guinea. The 
Five-Toed Echidna is coveted with strong 
spines set very thickly all over its outer sur- 
face, and its nose is a slender and narrow beak. 
