150 KANGAROO.

This curious creature, which is about the size of a
large sheep, and is exclusively found in the country
just named, presents one of the most extraordinary figures
that occur among the class of quadrupeds. ‘Its head
is small and gentle in appearance, with full bright eyes,
a mouth not large, and pointed ears; its neck is slender
and graceful; its shoulders narrow; and its fore limbs
short, divided into five fingers with nails; the hinder are
more than three times the length of the fore, with five
toes, of which the two inner are small, and so united
as to appear but one; the next is large, strong, and
armed with a pointed hoof, no useless weapon of
defence, outside of which there is one small claw.

In walking upon all-fours, it limps slowly along; but
for speed or safety it depends entirely upon the strength
of the hind limbs, bounding along with great velocity,
and clearing at one spring obstacles nine feet high, or
ravines of nearly double that width. Its food is entirely
vegetable.”

Though the kangaroo is of a most gentle and in-
offensive nature, yet, if attacked, it defends itself with
extreme courage, and often kills several of the dogs
that attack it, either by a single kick of its powerful
hoof, or with ove blow of its formidable tail.

Kangaroos associate in troops. Their flesh, which is
said to resemble venison, is much esteemed for the
table; and they are valuable in this respect, attaining
sometimes the weight of two hundred pounds.