﻿KANGAROOS AND WALLABIES. 1 9 



whose forms differ considerably from those with which we are 

 famiHar, the Kangaroo, when first beheld, does not strike us as 

 having agreeable proportions, and its movements appear awk- 

 ward, especially when the animal is browsing, at which time it 

 rests upon its four legs. Requiring then to move but short 

 distances, the body is outstretched, and the hinder parts, 

 assisted by the tail, are suddenly brought close to the anterior 

 extremities, and this movement is repeated so long as the 

 animal continues to graze ; but when it wishes to reach a 

 distant spot, the fore legs are removed from the ground, and it 

 attains its end by a succession of bounds, and with an ease 

 which at once removes the impression of awkwardness." 



About one hundred thousand skins of this and other larg-e 

 Kangaroos are stated to be annually sold in London ; the 

 price of large skins, which may weigh as much as a couple of 

 pounds, reaching to three shillings, or even more, per pound. 

 As a rule, the larger skins are dressed for leather, being found 

 especially suitable for japanning ; but the skins of younger beasts. 

 in which the fur is longer, are used for rugs, coats, and linings. 



By most of those who have tried it, the dark red flesh of 

 this and the other large species of Kangaroos is said to be dry 

 and insipid, and not to be compared either for nourishment and 

 juiciness with mutton, or for flavour with venison. The thick 

 tail is, however, stated to afford a most excellent and nourish- 

 ing soup. 



When hard pressed, the Great Grey Kangaroo, like others of 

 his kindred, will take to the water, in which he swims rapidly 

 and strongly ; and there is an instance on record when one of 

 these animals swam in the sea for a distance of upwards of two 

 miles against a head-wind and current. 



n. THE ANTILOPINE KANGAROO. MACROPUS ANTILOPINUS. 



Osphra7ite7' antilophms^ Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1841, p. 80. 



c 2 



