FOOD AND HABITS. Kangaroos are entirely herbivorous and seem to replace, in the Austra lian region, the deer and antelopes, which are entirely wanting there. They are naturally timid and inoffensive, and rely on the keenness of their senses and the rapidity of their flight for escape front their enemies. They often erect, sup porting the body on the tripod formed by the tail and two hind limbs. In this position they are alert to see, hear. or smell, and when alarmed move off quickly by successive-leaps. the force of which is derived from the powerful hind legs. Under ordinary conditions the distance of each leap rather exceeds the total length of the animal, but when going at full speed, each leap may be three or four times the entire length; moreover, the leaps may exceed in height that of the ani mal when sitting erect. Most kangaroos live in open glades and upon plains, hut some of the smaller species are forest-lovers. and others fre quent rocky places. When hard pressed by dogs, the larger species defend themselves by kicking or striking with the hind foot. The powerful claw of the fourth toe will cut a dog like a knife, and one blow, fairly delivered, will kill the average hound. Kangaroos have been, and are still, so constantly hunted, that in many dis tricts they are now exterminated. In other dis tricts they seem to be on the increase. They aro hunted not only for the flesh, which is excellent eating, and the hides, which make valuable leather, but also on account of the damage which they do by their peculiar method of grazing. Tho
big incisor teeth of the lower jaw clip the grass or leaves like a pair of shears. Thus kangaroos nibble the grass and other plants much closer to the soil than sheep or cattle. Although not ex actly gregarious, kangaroos are often seen in large numbers where satisfactory food is abun dant. Under such conditions one or more of the old ones keep a sharp lookout for danger.
The nuniber of young at a birth is usually one or two, but may he three. When born they are very small (an inch or less in length), blind, naked, and entirely unable to help themselves. They are taken by the mother, with her lips, and placed in the pouch on a teat to which they firmly cling with the mouth, the wind pipe being so arranged that swallowing and breathing do not interfere with each other. The young do not suck the milk, hut it is pumped down their throats by the action of the muscles of the mother. In the pouch the young remain for weeks or even months, gradually increasing in size, and assuming the adult form. As they mature, they occasionally leave the pouch, but 'they keep near the toothier and return to her whenever danger threatens. At this time they are frequently seen with the head thrust out of the pouch in which they are being carried. In captivity, kangaroos are gentle and timid; eases are known where they have been frightened to death.