p-t 



NATURAL HISTORY. 



Family V. . . Macropitkc. (Gr. Ma/cpof, -long; TTOV^, a foot.) 

 Sub -family b. Macropina. 



MACROPUS. 



Major (Lat. Inrycr), the Kangaroo. 



Iii the mole we saw that the power of the body was placed 

 chiefly in the fbre-legs ; we now come to a family which has 

 the principal power placed in the hinder part of the body. 

 In the Kangaroos the hind-legs are very long and immensely 

 powerful ; the fore-legs are very small, and used more as hands 

 than for walking ; the tail also is very thick and strong, and 

 assists the animal in its leaps. 



The Great Kangaroo inhabits New Holland and Van Die- 

 men's Land. Its singular formation, peculiarly adapted to the 

 country, calls forth a corresponding degree of ingenuity on the 

 ;urt of the natives, who live much on its flesh. Its method 



