KANGAROOS, 13 
The fore limbs, which are always provided with five toes, 
are generally much smaller than the hinder ones; the latter 
having usually only four toes, of which the one corresponding 
with the fourth in the human foot is much larger than either 
of the other three, and forms the sole axis of support. Of the 
remaining toes, the two innermost, or those representing the 
second and third human toes, are very short and small, and 
enclosed in acommon skin ; this type of foot being accordingly 
termed syzdactylous. The outermost, or fifth toe, is equally 
small and unimportant, being even still shorter than the second 
and third. In consequence of this great development and 
peculiar structure of the hind foot, the more typical members 
of the Family progress on the ground by a series of enormous 
leaps ; the body being also supported by the long, heavy, and 
cylindrical tail, of which, among the smaller forms, the tip may 
be prehensile. There are, however, certain aberrant members 
of the Family which are arboreal in their habits, although all 
agree in subsisting exclusively on grass or leaves. In order to 
aid in the digestion of such substances, the stomach is com- 
plicated by sacculations. ‘The female is furnished with a large 
pouch for the reception of her young, with its aperture directed 
forwards. 
The Kangaroos, which are spread over both Australia and 
New Guinea, include the largest of the living Diprotodonts, 
and indeed of all the Marsupials. While the majority of the 
species inhabit open grassy plains, others frequent scrub-jungle 
and rocks, while, as already said, a few species—and more 
especially in New Guinea—are dwellers in trees. Then, again, 
whereas most of the larger species are met with in large droves, 
termed by the colonists ‘ mobs,” the smaller kinds usually 
associate in small parties or pairs. 
The existing members of the Family are arranged in twelve 
generic groups, which are brigaded under three distinct Sub- 
