NOTES AND EXHIBITS. 191 



" Kangaroos and wallabies form the largest numbers of these 

 native noxious animals, and when it is admitted that a full-grown 

 kangaroo eats as much grass as six sheep, it is patent that a grazier, 

 who pays either a heavy rent to the crown, or possibly a large 

 amount of interest to his banker, cannot afford to keep animals 

 that will not give him steady and reliable annual returns like 

 sheep and cattle. 



"It may be interesting to state that in 1887 and 1888 the 

 collective reports of the various stock inspectors showed that the 

 estimated numbers in those years were : — 



1887— Kangaroos 1,881,510 



1888— do 1,170,380 



Decrease— 711,130. 

 Showing a considerable decrease. 



1887— Wallabies 2,742,550 



1888— do 3,185,400 



Increase— 442,850. 



Showing a good increase, although the number killed that year 

 was 694,702. 



" The wallabies are very troublesome and would soon overrun 

 and destroy all portions of country near which there is the least 

 cover or shelter for them. The bonuses paid for their destruction 

 range 



For Kangaroos from 2d. to Is. 6d. per head. 



For Wallabies from Id. to Is. per head. 



"Good kangaroo skins realise from 3s. 6d. to 10s.; good 

 wallaby skins from 9d. to 3s. apiece. 



"With reference to the letter of Mr. Solomon, which the 

 Adelaide Committee have sent, and in which that gentleman 

 suggests that a heavy fine should be inflicted on persons killing 



