376 



MARSUPIALIA. 



jumps which it takes on its hind legs, its usual means 

 of progression when chased. When at bay it defends 

 itself by means of its claws, seizing the hounds with the 

 front paws, and ripping them open with the hind ones. 

 The ordinar}' mode of progression is a series of leaps. 



The colour of the Great Kangaroo is dark brown or 

 drab, or light drab with whiter top hair ; the heWj is 

 lighter, almost white, and the fur is longer and thicker 

 underneath ; the tail is long, and tipped with black ; the 

 ears are long ; the fur is not very dense except in the 

 younger animals, which are more serviceable for furriers, 

 and used for wrappers, rugs, coats, etc., and low quality 

 skins are made into linings. The larger skins are usually 

 bought by tanners and leather-dressers, and are ja- 

 panned or tanned for leather, and used in the manu- 

 facture of shoes, etc. The larger skins are also much 

 appreciated by the American leather trade. 



Kangaroo skins are now sold in auction by weight, 

 and as large skins weigh about 2 lbs., and as the price 

 often reaches 3s. per lb. or more, a large skin is worth 

 about 6s., but the extra small are not worth more than 

 3d. to 9d. About 100,000 skins are sold annually in 

 London. 



These include all species of 

 Kangaroos. 



In 1885, 57,294 skins ^ 



„ 1886, 165,690 ,, 



„ 1887, 146,354 ,, 



„ 1888, 116,372 „ } 



„ 1889, 368,480 „ 



„ 1890, 308,456 „ 



„ 1891, 126,673 „ 



Kangaroo flesh is said to be excellent eating, especially 

 that of the young; the tails are made into excellent soup. 

 Like most animals, the Kangaroo swims well. 



