On some points of interest connected with the Platypus

In bringing before your attention, this evening, the above-named subject, I regret I am able to introduce so little original material connected with these very interesting and anomalous animals. After reading Professor Bennett's work on their peculiarities and habits, also Professor Owen's on their anatomical structure and mode of reproduction, but little ground is left to be worked over, so completely have these two great authors gone into the subject. In relating my own individual experience this evening of these animals, it is more with the hope of leading to a discussion, than adding much fresh material to an already exhausted, but always interesting subject. After careful perusal of Owen's work, the point alone left for elucidation is the actual birth of the foetus; but when I can tell you that the foetus has been found in utero, and in a hairless condition in the burrow, our imagination easily fills up the gap.