THE KANGAROO. 13 



very low in the scale of the mammalia ; and, judging from 

 their anatomical structure alone, this classification is 

 probably correct. But some go so far as to contend 

 that it is warranted by the deficiency of intelligence 

 exhibited both in their habits and physiognomy. To this 

 reasoning I decidedly object. The brain is not so fully 

 developed as in the true mammal, and their anatomical 

 structure and inward functions show an affinity to the 

 " oviparous vertebrata;" in fact, they appear to form a 

 sort of link in the chain of creation between a higher 

 and lower class of animal. But, however peculiar and 

 imperfect their formation may be, when compared to the 

 higher mammalia, in every other respect they stand fully 

 on a par. There is nothing monstrous or ill-shaped in 

 their outward appearance, and I am sure that the coun- 

 tenances of all, especially of the opossum and little native 

 cat, are peculiarly intelligent. The habits of all are well 

 adapted to their mode of life ; and any one who has had 

 opportunities of watching them in a state of nature, will 

 agree with me that no deficiency of instinct or intelli- 

 gence is exhibited in any of their actions. 



The kangaroo I consider particularly gifted with all 

 the attributes of a wild animal, fully equal to the deer in 

 the senses of sight, hearing, and smell; and although 

 the mode of progression may be different, in a mile race 

 I should certainly " stand on" the kangaroo. It is my 

 humble opinion that, as far as regards intelligence and 

 instinct, the kangaroo, opossum, and native cat ol 

 Australia, stand quite as high in the scale of creation 



