THE KANGAROO. 65 



able to keep up the pace, instinct guides them to turn 

 with their back to a tree. When attacked in front, 

 there is considerable danger for either dog or man, 

 from the terrible spike on the middle toe of the hind 

 foot. 



One well-directed stroke from either hind foot will 

 often render hors de combat the attacking force. 



A well-aimed blow from a scimitar could not be 

 worse. 



If very closely pressed in front they sometimes 

 seize their enemy in the same way as the bears are 

 said to do, with a loving (?) embrace. Then with a blow 

 or two from the spike, that hug becomes very fre- 

 quently to the enemy the hug of death. 



In one instance an " old man kangaroo " took to the 

 water. The dog followed him. He seized the dog in 

 his fore-paws and thrust him under the water and 

 drowned him. The owner of the dog rushed in to 

 save him, but the " old man " laid hold of him also, 

 and threw him down and would certainly have 

 drowned him, too, if his companion had not come to 

 his assistance. 



"Are they good to eat?" Well that all depends. 

 If you are very hungry and cannot get any other 

 animal food, you may relish one meal. It is good for 

 the natives, so we will leave it to them to enjoy. 



