KANGUROO. 109 



species, recently discovered on Bathurst Plains, of 

 which the hair is thick and woolly, are some of 

 the most conspicuous. 



The gigantic kanguroo is hunted for his flesh and 

 fur, hy the natives and settlers of New Holland ; but 

 if there he a pond or river within reach, he hastens 

 thither immediately, as the only place in which he 

 can successfully give battle to the dogs. Here, then, 

 he stations himself, and from the great length of his 

 hind legs, he is enabled to stand securely on firm 

 ground, while the dogs are obliged to keep swim 

 ' ming ; and nothing can be more ridiculous, than the 

 spectacle they afford. The kanguroo stands gravely 

 erect, with his fore-paws spread out before him, 

 wheeling round and round to ward off his assailants. 

 If one approaches within reach, he pounces his paw 

 upon him, and holds him beneath the water, gazing 

 round at the same time, with the most solemn sim- 

 pleton aspect, paying no regard to the kicking of his 

 victim, who must inevitably perish, unless some 

 courageous colleague hastens to his assistance, and 

 constrains the merciless kanguroo to let go his hold. 

 Should this occur, the liberated captive is seen pad- 

 dling the next moment with all his might towards 

 the shore, looking most piteously, with no inclina- 

 tion to venture a second time, notwithstanding the 

 cheering of the hunters. 



Future naturalists may, probably, afford some ad- 

 ditional particulars respecting the general habits of 

 the kanguroo : at present we only know that they 

 are. inoffensive, and easily domesticated, though con- 

 cealing beneath their innocently expressive coun- 

 tenances, a love of mischief which is occasionally 



