9 
They are identical in shape with the great kangaroos, but are de¬ 
cidedly more agile and graceful in their movement, more fleet of foot, 
and more be<iutiful in their fur. Their colour ranges from a silver-gray 
to reddi8h-brt)wn, and even black ; often the underparts are white, 
sometimes yellow, and they nearly all have a bridle mark along the 
shoulder, and a iiorizontal stripe across the haunch. Distinguishing 
the species is diflicult, for the colouring of the fur is not constant. In 
captivity (according to Kreft) they interbreed freely. Like the larger 
kangaroos, those smaller sized species increased to such numbers tliat 
they became a veritable plague, and even now require constant and 
stringent measures to keep them in check. To the settlers* ci'ops they 
are very destructive; indeed, it is only by fencing in the cultivated 
^ound Avith wire netting or close fencing, that a crop can be grown 
in districts where they are numerous. 
THE ROCK WALLABIES (gonus Vcirogalca)*^ 
This genus diffei-s from other wallabies in their possessing a lono* 
pliable tail, which is not tlnckened at the base, and the apical half of 
which is generally very bushy. They weigh up to SOlbs., and some of 
the species are very beautiful in the colouring and softness of the fur. 
As inferred from their name, they are jmrtial to rocky country, and, 
notwitlistanding their jumping system of locomotion, they ai’e as sure¬ 
footed and active among rocks as any goat. Indeed, their agility is 
wonderful, aud the almost vertical leaps they will take are quite 
astonisliing. The long tjiil is not used so much as a support as in the 
other larger species, but by its pliability is admii*ably adapted for 
balancing the animal in its erratic movements. 
THE 'PREE KliVNGAROOS (genus Dendrol(xgus). 
This genus shows a curious variation of the typical habits of the 
family. Their fore limbs arc more powerfully formed than in any 
other genus, and this peculiarity enables them to climb trees 
easily. There are four species found in Now Guinea, and two that 
are inhabitants of Queensland. Their weight is said to roach up to 
301b. Very little is known of the animals or their habits, as they are 
very rarely seen, for they are residents of the dense sciaibs and rough 
mountain country in the tropica. The fore feet are formed somewhat 
after the shape of the sloth, and the liind feet also have a gi'asping 
power. The tail is long and thin like the llahnaturu 
THE NAIL-TAIL KANGAROOS (genus Onychogalea)» 
These comprise two or three species of small animals tliat inhabit 
the interior plains. They seldom weigh ovei- lOlbs. Their peculiarity 
is that the tail terminates in a bare nail-like tip, and also that their 
fur, which is of a light gray color, is of a soft, silky nature. 
THE HARE KANGAROOS (genus Lagorchastes). 
These are very similar to the preceding animals both in habit and 
peculiarities. In appearance and size they very much resemble the 
common hare, and they are the fleetest of iho whole gi’oup of macro- 
13 A 3 
