Page:Babyhood of Wild Beasts.djvu/161

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BABY KANGAROOS
129

They are harmless and inoffensive, but are prepared to defend themselves with a powerful hind claw which is used for ripping its adversary.

In habits they resemble sheep or fallow deer. They are timid and shy, and their hearing and sight are very acute. They are clean and have camping grounds and well trodden runs.

They travel in droves and are quite sociable among themselves.

Their food consists of small shrubs, heather grass and small plants. They are strictly herbivorous.

The tail of a "Boomer" or "Old Man," as it is sometimes called by the natives, is from thirty to thirty-six inches long and very powerful. It is used as a balancer, and helps wonderfully in the long leaps these animals travel with. They are nocturnal in habit and sleep during the day. But even this doesn't protect them from hunters who shoot them for food and for their skins. The flesh is called venison and is considered good.

The Kangaroo is kind and gentle when tamed, and very interesting.