CHAPTER IV.. The Porcupine or Long-Spined Echidna and Duck-Billed Platypus.

THE PORCUPINE OR LONG-SPINED ECHIDNA AND DUCK-BILLED PLATYPUS.

Why the Monotremata are formed into a Sub-order--The lowest of the Mammalian Class--THE PORCUPINE OR LONG-SPINED ECHIDNA--An Ant-eater, but not an Edentate--Its Correct Name--Description of the Animal--Habits and Disposition--Manner of Using the Tongue--Where it is Found--Anatomical Features: Skull, Brain, Marsupial Bones--The Young--Species of Van Diemen’s Land and New Guinea--THE WATER-MOLE, OR DUCK-BILLED PLATYPUS--The most Bird-like Mammal--Various Names--Description--Their Appearance and Movements in Water--Their Burrows--Habits of an Individual kept in Confinement--Used by Natives as Food--How they are Captured--The Young--A Family in Captivity--The Snout--Jaws--Teeth--Tongue--Fore and Hind Feet--Heel--Spur--The Shoulder Girdle--Breastbone--Concluding Remarks on the Sub-orders--Postscript 227

THE CLASS AVES.--THE BIRDS.