POLITICAL AND SOCIAL. 



"465 



in Sydney Harbour on Anniversary Day. On the Derwent, in Tasmania, and on th<- rivers 

 and harbours of the other colonies this branch of sport is also enthusiastically pursue. 1. 



There is little fox-hunting in Australia, but in some respects coursing and kan-aroo- 

 hunting may be said to do more than supply its place. This latter is truly a national 

 Australian sport, and one which to be appreciated must be shared. A kangaroo "drive," 

 however, is a different affair. The marsupials are destructive to grass, and interfere 



IN THE BRISBANE BOTANICAL GARDENS. 



considerably with the squatter's flocks and herds. From time to time, therefore, a battue 

 is organized, and the kangaroos destroyed by hundreds. As many as eight thousand 

 have been recorded as the result of one of these "drives." In the old days of coloniza- 

 tion no new-comer was considered to have been properly naturalized until he had killed 

 his kangaroo. 



Speaking generally, it may be said that there are few forms of out-door amusement 

 that are not popular in the Australian Colonies. It is sometimes said, as a charge 

 against the Australian character, that our people are over-fond of sports and amusements, 

 to the detriment of more polished studies and more noble occupations. It is, however, 

 an old aphorism that those who play well work well, and our devotion to sports and 



