44 AUSTRALIAN ZOOLOGY. 
Not long ago the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria had an 
exhibit quite unique, namely, five pure white kangaroos. Some 
years ago a white taal kangaroo was obtained and the others were 
her progeny, all of which, strange to say, were females; some of 
these still survive. The red kangaroo has suspiciousness and shy- 
ness inherent in its nature, and it never becomes really tame as some 
of the other species do. 
NativE Companion, OR AUSTRALIAN CRANE—(Grus 
australasianus. 
Introduction.—The native companion, as it is called by the 
colonists, represents a distinct species. It was frequently observed 
by Leichhardt during his overland expedition from Moreton Bay to 
Port Essington, Captain Sturt states that it was very abundant 
near the Macquarie. For some time this bird was considered 
identical with the G@rus antigone of India; but, as it has been 
proved to be entirely distinct, it was assigned the specific term 
australasianus, the name being appropriate, as this is the only 
species of form of grus inhabiting the country. This bird is most 
stately and elegant in all its actions, and adds greatly to the 
interest of the scenery which is ornamented with its presenee. The 
Australian crane is a noble bird, and is rightly admired by both 
aborigines and Europeans. 
Description. —The native companion stands about four feet high, 
but its body is very light. The general plumage is deep silvery- 
grey; the feathers of the back are dark-brownish grey, with silver 
grey edges. The smaller wing coverts are dark brown; the 
primaries are black ; the crown of the head and bill are olive-green. 
The raised fleshy papillw surrounding the ears and the back of the 
head are fine coral-red. The legs and the neck of this bird are long 
and slender. The legs and feet are purplish-black, ‘The sexes are 
alike in colouring, but may be distinguished by the smaller size of 
the female. In the old males the gular pouch is very pendulous, 
and forms a conspicuous appendage. It occupies the space between 
the two branches of the lower mandible, and joins the upper part of 
the throat. It is a membranous sac. 
Habits.—It is a powerful bird of flight, and performs journeys 
of vast extent from one part of the country to another. When 
near the ground the action of the wings is very laboured, but when 
soaring in a series of circles at such a height in the air as to be 
almost imperceptible to the human vision, the movement appears to 
be easy and graceful. While performing these gyrations it fre- 
quently utters a hoarse croaking cry. About sunset flocks may be 
seen moving from the lakes to the swamps and feeding grounds. It 
is observed at all seasons of the year, sometimes singly or in pairs, 
and at others in flocks of from thirty to forty in number. It is 
sometimes captured, and is easily tamed. In the enclosures at the 
Botanical Gardens, Sydney, there are several native companions, 
