112 THE REASON WHY : 



" It was observed of this animal, that he leaped or bounded 

 forward on two legs, instead of running upon four." OAIM. COOK. 



adapted for their relative conditions and situations in the protection of themselves, 

 and diminishing those means when they become no longer of the same importance 

 to them. 



345. Why are the Icanguroo 's* head and fore paws so small ? 

 Because this conformation of the body is peculiarly adapted to 



its leaping habits ; this form contributes to keep the body of the 

 animal almost erect in the air, while the weight of the lower 

 quarters brings it to the ground with precision, and in a natural 

 position, prepared immediately to repeat the leap. 



346. Why does the long-tailed belidens seldom descend to the 

 ground ? 



Because its structure, and especially the enormous length of its 

 tail, is ill adapted for terrestrial habits ; but it sometimes descends 

 for the purpose of passing to a tree too distant to be reached 

 by a spring. 



The tops of trees are traversed by this animal with as much ease 

 as the most level ground is by such as are destined for terra firma. 

 If chased or forced to flight, it ascends to the highest branch, and 

 performs the most enormous leaps, sweeping from tree to tree. It has 

 a membrane at its sides, which extends and forms a description of 

 parachute, and which enables it to proceed to a considerable 

 distance, always ascending a little at the extremity of the leap ; 

 by this ascent the animal is prevented from receiving the shock 

 which it would otherwise sustain. 



347. This fine little animal is common in all the bushes of New South Wales. In 

 those vast forests, trees of one kind or another are perpetually flowering, and thus 

 offer a never-failing supply of blossoms, upon which the little creature feeds ; the 

 flowers of the various kinds of gums, some of which are of great magnitude, an 

 the principal favourites.* 



Commonly spelled "kangaioo," but more properly kunguroo. 

 t Gould's " Mammals of Australia." 



