292 



THEIR FIERCENESS. 



their attack upon the laro-e and now furious 



n 



animal, two having seized each a hind leg, and 

 firmly kept it down, as if instinctively knowing 

 the danger of its claws ; another firmly grasped 

 the throat ; the animal in return hugging him 

 between his fore-paws ; the fourth made his 

 attacks upon any part where an opportunity 

 oflPered. 



Although the kangaroos have so pretty and 

 innocent a physiognomy, yet when attacked, and 

 defending themselves in the " strife of death," 

 they display a fierceness of disposition which 

 would not be supposed from their gentle nature. 

 The "old man," as a full grown male is called 

 by the colonists, is really a formidable opponent 

 when at bay, either for man or dogs ; and al- 

 though the engagement usually terminates against 

 the unfortunate animal, yet the struggle is often 

 violent and protracted before its death is ac- 

 complished. The object of our chase stood erect, 

 braving the unequal contest, which he had en- 

 deavoured to, but could not, avoid ; the victory 

 was strongly disputed, and three of the hounds 

 being young, I doubt whether it would have 

 terminated in their favour, as they began to be 

 exhausted, when the overseer, dismounting, over- 

 turned the animal, and keepiilg its hind legs 

 down with his utmost strength, the dogs at- 



