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.
