276 
MODES OF TAKING 
and the shell is very thick. They are deposited by 
the bird almost upon the ground, in the vicinity of 
a few bushes, or tufts of grass, and usually in a 
country that is tolerably open ; a great many eggs 
are found in one nest, so that it is generally looked 
upon by the natives as a great prize. 
Eggs are eaten in all stages. I have even seen 
rotten ones roasted, and devoured with great relish. 
Kangaroos are speared, netted, or caught in pit 
falls. Four methods of spearing them are prac- 
tised. 1st. A native travelling with his family 
through the woods, when he sees a kangaroo feed- 
ing or sleeping, will steal silently and cautiously 
upon it, keeping, as he advances, a tree or shrub 
between himself and the animal, or holding up be- 
fore him, if he be in an open place, a large branch 
of a tree, until sufficiently near to throw the fatal 
weapon. 2ndly. Two natives get upon the track 
of a kangaroo, which they follow up perseveringly 
even for two or three days, sleeping upon it at night, 
and renewing their pursuit in the morning, until, 
at last, the wearied animal, fairly tired out by its 
relentless pursuers, is no longer able to fly before 
them, and at last becomes a prize to the perse- 
verance of the hunters. 3rdly. A small hut of 
reeds is made near the springs, or water holes, in 
those districts, where water is scarce ; and in this, 
or in the top of a tree, if there be one near, the native 
carefully conceals himself, and patiently waits until 
his game comes to drink, when he is almost sure to 
