Arthur's seat. 485 



lying eight miles to the south. The first part lay over 

 a level open woodland country ; low hills then made 

 their appearance, becoming more numerous as we 

 neared our destination. At their commencement 

 we turned off the road to look for a kangaroo ; 

 a herd was soon found ; but all, after a sharp 

 burst of a few miles, got away from us. When 

 both horses and do^s had regained their wind we 

 went to better ground, and came suddenly on a fine 

 herd. A large male, called an " Old Man" by the 

 colonists, loitering to protect the does under his care, 

 was singled out by the fastest dog ; and a splendid 

 run ensued ; the country, however, being rather 

 woody, and strewed with fallen timber which was 

 concealed by long grass, only those who risked the 

 pace over it enjoyed the sport. The dogs stuck 

 well to their game, and coming at last to an open 

 piece of ground, the fleetest began to close with the 

 " Old Man," who was covering an immense space 

 in each bound. At lenoth the doij^ reached the 

 kangaroo's quarters, and burying his teeth in them, 

 made him face about, cutting at his pursuer, who 

 kept out of reach, with his hind feet, and then turn- 

 ing round and endeavouring to escape. But the 

 same liberty being again taken with his haunches 

 he was once more brought to bay. The rest of the 

 pack now came up, and a fine half blood-hound 

 rushed in and seized the kangaroo* by the throat ; 



* Although these animals have a most innocent countenance, 

 the large males are very dangerous when brought to bay. I know 

 an instance of a gentleman, who was endeavouring to assist his 



