The typical variety is confined to the Australian mainland, and is of medium size. The spines of the back are very long and stout, often reaching a length of two inches, and almost completely concealing the hair. The colour of these spines varies from yellow at the roots to black at the tips, but some may be altogether yellow. The hair of the back is black or dark brown in colour, but it may be occasionally absent, or in the region of the loins may exceed the spines in length. The limbs and under surface of the body are covered with dark brown hair, thinly interspersed with short spines; and the hair of the face is of the same general hue as that of the body. The skull has a slender rostrum and a flat and narrow brain-case. In the third or Tasmanian race, which is confined to Tasmania, the average size is somewhat larger than in the typical form. The most characteristic feature is, however, the shortness of the spines of the back, which in the greater part of that region are almost or quite concealed by the hairs. The hairs of the back are dark brown, those of the under surface and sides of the head being generally rather paler. There is often a white spot on the chest. Very frequently there is a difference in the proportionate lengths of the hinder claws from those of the typical race. In the skull the beak is comparatively short and stout, and the brain-case large and wide. Echidnas are usually found in rocky districts, and more especially in the mountains. In a wild state they live mainly on ants. Specimens have been brought to this country and kept in the Zoological Society’s Gardens; and in captivity they will readily eat eggs, and bread-and-milk. They are able, however, to endure long fasts, an individual having been known to go without food for upwards of a month. These animals seem to be mainly of nocturnal habits, and if brought out during the daytime appear to be sluggish and stupid, crouching to the ground with the head between the legs, and thus presenting a mass of spines to an enemy. They burrow rapidly in soft ground, sinking directly downwards, and not going head forwards. A specimen placed on a large chest of earth containing plants reached the bottom in less than two minutes; and it is said that the muzzle assists in the work of burrowing. [Illustration: FIG. 33.—The Three-toed Echidna (_Proechidna bruijnii_). From Gervais.]