i8 4 THE BOOK OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 



"Forester" stand as high as an average-sized man, while some of 

 the Wallabies are no bigger than a Terrier Dog. 



The true Kangaroos include the large forms, all of which are 

 terrestrial. The colour of the fur is generally uniform and sombre. 

 The mode of progression is by a series of leaps, and the animals 

 can travel at a remarkable pace in this manner. The enormous tail 

 is used as a kind of third limb when the animal is at rest, and when 

 in motion acts as a balance to the fore-part of the body. The tail is 

 not used as an organ of progression, as is often said ; when the animal 

 is travelling rapidly the tail does not come in contact with the ground. 

 It is an inspiring sight to see a mob of Kangaroos travelling. The 

 big grey animals make such astonishing leaps, and they stop for 

 no ordinary obstacles ; over rocks and bushes they go bounding 

 away, as though springs were concealed in the powerful hind-limbs. 

 When feeding, the daintily formed fore-limbs are used by Kangaroos 

 to help them progress. 



The long, sharp claw of the hind-foot is used by the Kangaroo 

 as a weapon of offence, and hunters of the Marsupial take care to 

 give it a wide berth when their Dogs have "cornered" an "Old 

 Man." Many a fine dog has been killed when dashing at a big 

 Kangaroo that has been brought to bay. One stroke of that strong 

 claw on the hind-foot will rip a! dog open. When close pressed by a 

 pack of dogs a hunted Kangaroo will often make a stand with its back 

 to the broad butt of a gum-tree and fight savagely for life. Woe to 

 the dog that unwarily comes within reach of the desperate animal. 

 It will instantly be seized by the fore-paws and held as in a vice 

 while the Kangaroo raises one of its hind-limbs and rips its foe 

 open with the big claw. 



Kangaroos have been known to seize a pursuing dog and plunge 

 into a creek or water-hole with it, and hold it under water until the 

 unfortunate creature was drowned. This is a display of intelligence, 

 although Marsupials generally are not credited, as previously stated, 

 with a superabundance of brains. Yet they make delightful pets, 

 become very attached to those who care for them, and are capable 

 of learning tricks. Some years ago the "Boxing Kangaroo" was 

 famous. It was shown in many countries besides Australia, and 

 earned its owner fame and money. The "Boxing Kangaroo" wore 

 gloves and displayed a good deal of science in the sparring matches 

 with its trainer. And it generally "played the game" fairly, 

 although sometimes the hind-foot was brought into action instinc- 



