THE KANGAROO. 
232 
by lapping. It is gregarious, feeding in 
herds of thirty or forty ; in which case it is 
generally observed that one is stationed at a 
distance from the rest, apparently as a sen- 
tinel. It sometimes uses its tail as a weapon 
of defence, giving such severe blows with it to 
dogs as to oblige them to desist from the pur- 
suit. It will also kick with its hind feet with 
great violence, and during this action it sup- 
ports itself on the base of its tail. 
The kangaroo is one of those remarkable 
species of quadrupeds that are furnished with 
a pouch in which their young are fostered ; 
and the agility which the females display 
when thus encumbered with the burden of 
their offspring is truly astonishing. 
The flesh of the kangaroo is commonly 
eaten by our colonists in New South Wales : 
it is said to be rather coarse, but w'ell flavour- 
ed and nutritious. 
