373 



BED KANGAEOO. 



Macropus rufus. 



We now arrive at the large and important family of 

 the Kangaroos. All are noticeable for great length of 

 hind legs in comparison to the fore legs ; long, thick and 

 tapering tail, which is used as a support when resting 

 on the hind legs — a favourite position of all Kangaroos ; 

 the fore legs are very short and small, and are rarely 

 used except when feeding. 



The hind legs are furnished with three strong claws, 

 the centre of which is longest, and which inflict fearful 

 wounds on hounds when at bay. 



The Bed Kangaroo is one of the largest species, and 

 is only surpassed in this respect by the Great Kan- 

 garoo. 



Its fur is red ; at one season of the year light slate- 

 blue or reddish-blue : on account of its wooliness and 

 harshness it is not sought for by furriers, and its skin 

 is not liked by tanners, as it is too harsh for leather. 



The Bed Kangaroo is one of the most numerous sorts. 

 Several thousand skins are imported annually. 



Its food, like all other Kangaroos, is essentially 

 vegetable. The Bed Kangaroo is sometimes called the 

 Sand Kangaroo. 



All the Kangaroos possess a pouch, into which the 

 young get when alarmed. The young are born very 

 small, and pass the beginning of their existence in this 

 pouch. 



