KANGAROOS AND WALLABIES. 19 
whose forms differ considerably from those with which we are 
familiar, 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 large 
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 tule, 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. 
Il. THE ANTILOPINE KANGAROO. MACROPUS ANTILOPINUS. 
Osphranter antilopinus, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1841, p. 80. 
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