East Coast, 8f V. D. s Land.] INTRODUCTION. cxxxv 
kanguroo was tolerably abundant, though difficult to be procured, Flinders, 
owing to the thickness of its retreats. There were also numbers on 
Preservation Island, when the Sydney Cove was first run on shore ; 
but having been much harassed and destroyed, a few only were 
shot during the time of our stay. 
Clarke's Island afforded the first specimen of the new animal, 
called womat ; but I found it more numerous upon that of Cape 
Barren : Preservation and the Passage Isles do not possess it. This 
little bear-like quadruped is known in New South Wales, and called 
by the natives womat, wombat, or womback, according to the different 
dialects, or perhaps to the different rendering of the wood rangers 
who brought the information. It burrows like the badger, and on 
the Continent does not quit its retreat till dark ; but it feeds at all 
times on the uninhabited islands, and was commonly seen foraging 
amongst the sea refuse on the shore, though the coarse grass seemed 
to be its usual nourishment. It is easily caught when at a distance 
from its burrow ; its flesh resembles lean mutton in taste, and to us 
was acceptable food. Another species of this animal has been dis- 
covered in New South Wales, which lives in the tops of the trees 
and, in manners, bears much resemblance to the sloth. 
The aculeated ant-eater was not found on any other of the islands 
than that of Cape Barren : it is exceedingly fat, the flesh has a some- 
what aromatic taste, and was thought delicious. 
Of the birds which frequent Furneaux's Islands, the most valuable 
are the goose and black swan ; but this last is rarely seen here, even 
in the fresh-water pools, and except to breed, seems never to go on 
shore. The goose approaches nearest to the description of the species 
called bemacle ; it feeds upon grass, and seldom takes to the water. 
I found this bird in considerable numbers on the smaller isles, but 
principally upon Preservation Island ; its usual weight was from 
seven to ten pounds, and it formed our best repasts, but had become 
shy. Gannets, shags, gulls, and red-bills were occasionally seen ; 
as also crows, hawks, paroquets, and a few smaller birds. Fish were 
