40 ORGANIC LIFE ON THE RIVERINE PLAINS 



numerous ; and were, a few years ago, much more so. 

 The explanation seems to be, to some extent at any rate, 

 that there are few beasts of prey in Australia. Mammals 

 of the weasel and pole-cat kinds are not represented in 

 Australia, and there are no cats. Those small carnivores 

 in most countries are the prime destroyers of the smaller 

 forms of animals. The dingo is the most formidable 

 carnivorous mammal in Australia, and he destroys but 

 very few kangaroos. An odd one or two may occasionally 

 fall a prey to his fangs ; but he has to be cautious in 

 attacking the larger kinds, and dare not do so when they 

 are in herds. The quick stroke of a kangaroo's hind leg 

 will cut dingo or dog through the backbone like an axe ; 

 and an " old man " is a match for a dozen dingos. 



The kangaroo-hound is a breed of dog of modern 

 production, specially bred for the sport of kangaroo- 

 chasing. The requirements of the sport are a swift-running 

 dog of powerful jaw; but no dog can throw an "old man," 

 and the assistance of the hunters is always required to 

 despatch him ; and if that assistance is not very speedily 

 rendered, he will disable dog after dog with great rapidity, 

 every stroke of his powerful sharp-toed foot bringing a 

 fearful wound to the unfortunate dog at which it is aimed. 

 Dogs are frequently ripped open, or cut nearly in two ; 

 and the first hunters that come up to a kangaroo at bay 

 spring from their horses, and, seizing its tail, hold it up. 

 This prevents the animal from lifting its leg to strike ; for 

 if it attempts to do so, it immediately loses balance. Thus 

 assisted, the dogs pin it by the throat, and soon have it 

 down. 



It seems a cowardly thing to deprive the poor " old 

 man " of his only means of defence ; but were it not done, 

 it is tolerably certain he would kill half the dogs, and 

 ultimately escape. As it is, he is a most formidable 

 antagonist, and often kills several of his foes before the 

 hunters come up. 



The large kangaroos afford a very sharp and exciting, 

 but not very long run. They are generally overtaken and 

 brought to bay by the dogs within a distance of two or three 



