284 KANGAROOS. 



species, or Macropus major of Shaw ; Kangwus 

 labiatus, Geoff. ;) the dogs pursued, but we stop- 

 ped our horses, for a young kangaroo was lying 

 tranquilly upon the grass, apparently uncon- 

 scious of danger ; the stock-keeper, who accom- 

 panied me, alighted and secured it. To prevent 

 escape, he tied the hind legs, and then placed it 

 upon the ground ; the animal, however, con- 

 trived to make off, and we had some difficulty 

 in re-capturing it. Occupied with the young, we 

 forgot tlie old one, and, as the dogs returned 

 unsuccessful from the chase, it must have either 

 outrun them, or perished in the river which was 

 near ; for when closely pursued, these animals 

 run towards a river, (when one is near,) and dash 

 into it without hesitation. Should the water be 

 deep, they instantly sink and perish ; if shallow, 

 they remain in it, keeping their pursuers at bay. 

 The following anecdote was related to me 



garoos, " They are at present involved in the greatest con- 

 fusion, and are mentioned in catalogues in the most vague 

 and general, as often incorrect terms, without any distin- 

 guishing marks. No department of Australian mammalogy 

 has given me so much trouble as the history of the kan- 

 garoos ; in none have I arrived at a less satisfactory conclu- 

 sion." I only regret that the brief sojourn made in Australia, 

 would not permit me to investigate the subject to the extent 

 I desired. From what I observed there does not appear so 

 much difficulty to ascertain the different species, as has been 

 supposed. 



