MACROPUS FASCIATUS. 239 



said to inhabit the impenetrable low thickets^, formed 

 of a species of Mimosa, which are found in those 

 islands ; from these bushes they cut away the lower 

 branches and spines so as to form galleries communi- 

 cating one wdtli another, and where they take refuge 

 in time of danger. The females bring forth but one 

 young at a time. 



Although abundant in the islands of Shark's Bay, 

 Peron states that none were to be found on the main- 

 land. These little Kangaroos, like all those feeble 

 animals which have neither the power of attack nor 

 of defence, are, like the hares, extremely timid. The 

 slightest noise caused them to take flight to the thick 

 brushwood in which their galleries are constructed, 

 and where it is impossible to pursue them — hence, 

 although very common, they are difficult to procure. 



The flesh of these animals is said to resemble that 

 of the rabbit, but has a slight aromatic flavour, arising 

 probably from the nature of the plants on which they 

 feed, nearly all of ^^'hich are fragrant. 



At the time that Peron visited the islands all the 

 females carried young in their pouch, and the courage 

 with which they sougbt to save their off'spring was 

 truly admirable. Although wounded, they flew with 

 the young in the pouch, and never left them, until, 

 overcome with fatigue and loss of blood, ihey could 

 no longer carry them ; they tben stopped, and squat- 

 ting themselves on the hind-legs helped the young to 

 get out of the pouch by means of the fore- feet, and 

 sought to place them in a situation favourable for 

 retreat. 



