It is, however, in my power to speak positively on this head, as I have
seen more than one instance of it.
In running, this animal confines himself entirely to his hinder, legs,
which are possessed with an extraordinary muscular power. Their speed
is very great, though not in general quite equal to that of a greyhound;
but when the greyhounds are so fortunate as to seize them, they are
incapable of retaining their hold, from the amazing struggles of the
animal. The bound of the kangaroo, when not hard pressed, has been
measured, and found to exceed twenty feet.
At what time of the year they copulate, and in what manner, we know
not: the testicles of the male are placed contrary to the usual order of
nature.
When young the kangaroo eats tender and well flavoured, tasting like
veal, but the old ones are more tough and stringy than bullbeef. They
are not carnivorous, and subsist altogether on particular flowers and
grass. Their bleat is mournful, and very different from that of any
other animal: it is, however, seldom heard but in the young ones.
Fish, which our sanguine hopes led us to expect in great quantities, do
not abound.
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