36 
MONOTREMATA. 
were seen in lateral motion, as is usual when the animal mas¬ 
ticates. The motions of the mandibles were similar to those 
of a duck under the same circumstances. After feeding it 
would lie sometimes on the grassy bank, and at others partly 
in and partly out of the water, combing and cleaning its coat 
with the claws of the hind feet. This process occupied a 
considerable time, and greatly improved its sleek and glossy 
appearance.” 
The Water-moles are said to have a peculiarly fishy smell, 
more especially when wet, which probably proceeds from an 
oily secretion: they are used by the Aborigines for food; 
“ but it is no particular recommendation of them,'’ Mr. 
Bennett remarks, to say they are eaten by the native Aus¬ 
tralian, as nothing in the shape of provender comes amiss to 
him, whether it be snakes, rats, frogs, grubs, or the more 
delicate opossum, Bandicoot and Flying Squirrel.” 
The Ornithorhynchus is captured by the natives when in its 
burrow: they first examine the interior of the burrow, to 
ascertain, by the presence of recent footmarks on the soil, 
whether it is inhabited; and if the examination proves satis¬ 
factory, they proceed to dig holes with pieces of sticks, from 
the surface of the ground into the burrow, at distances from 
each other, until they discover its termination, when the 
Australians consider themselves exceedingly fortunate should 
they find the young, since they are regarded as a great 
delicacy. 
The young have been foimd in their nests, by Mr. Bennett, 
of about 1J in. in length, in the early part of December; and 
near the end of the same month he found young Water-moles 
of ten inches in length : these latter were kept alive for nearly 
five weeks, and their habits, whilst in captivity, are described 
in detail in his paper, which is illustrated by some admirable 
figures showing their various attitudes, &c. The young were 
allowed to run about the room, but an old Omithorhyuchus, 
