THE GERBUA. 177 



Mr. Banks describes an animal that is a native of 

 New Holland, which, in form, bears a striking resem- 

 blance to the gerbua, though they differ greatly in size. 

 This quadruped he calls the Kanguroo, some of which 

 are as large as a tolerable-sized sheep, and the construc- 

 tion of the head differs from that of the animal just 

 described ; yet as the legs are formed upon the same 

 principle, and it moves precisely in the same manner, 

 taking bounds of ten or twelve feet at a time, we are 

 inclined to rank it amongst the same species ; and, 

 with this singular and last-discovered animal, we shall 

 conclude the history of the quadruped race, which is 

 the most interesting part of the Naturalist's employ- 

 ment, from contributing so largely to the convenience 

 of life. Without their aid, what a wretched and for- 

 lorn creature would *he have been ! The principal part 

 of his food, his cloathing, and his amusement, are 

 wholly derived from them : and he may be considered 

 as a great lord, sometimes cherishing his humble de- 

 pendants, and sometimes terrifying the refractory by 

 his power, so as to compel them to contribute to his de- 

 light. 



The horse, the ass, the elephant, the camel, the lama, 

 and the rein-deer, distinctly minister to his comfort and 

 support : by their assistance he is transported from 

 different places; by their exertions he is saved from 

 labour and fatigue ; and to them he is frequently in- 

 debted for his health ! Yet these benefits are too often 

 enjoyed without gratitude ; and cruelty and oppression 

 the reward they receive ! 



The cow, the sheep, and the deer, are equally ne- 

 cessary to his sustenance and his wealth ; their flesh 

 forms the principal support of his table, and their milk 

 is often the means of renovating his health; their wool 



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