. Illustrated natural history : comprising descriptions of animals, birds, fishes, reptiles, insects, etc., with sketches of their peculiar habits and characteristics . Zoology. 126 VERTEBRATES. and increasing in size, until they are as completely formed as otliei animals are at the time of their birth. So small in proportion are the young when first born, that the kangaroo, which, when full grown, is as large as a sheep, and weighs one hundred and fifty pounds, is at its birth no more than an inch in length, and weighs only twenty-one grains. Generally, the female is furnished with a duplicat
. Illustrated natural history : comprising descriptions of animals, birds, fishes, reptiles, insects, etc., with sketches of their peculiar habits and characteristics . Zoology. 126 VERTEBRATES. and increasing in size, until they are as completely formed as otliei animals are at the time of their birth. So small in proportion are the young when first born, that the kangaroo, which, when full grown, is as large as a sheep, and weighs one hundred and fifty pounds, is at its birth no more than an inch in length, and weighs only twenty-one grains. Generally, the female is furnished with a duplicature of the skin of the abdomen, which forms a kind of bag, coTering the nipples, in which it places its young, and preserves them during the period of helplessness. Frequently, indeed, even after they have acquired strength to leave this pouch, they retreat into it upon the approach of danger. Sometimes, in place of the pouch, there is simply a fold of the skin. The pouch is supported by means of two bones attached to those of the pelvis, from which proceed muscles that open or contract its mouth, like the opening of a purse. These bones are found also in the male, and in those species which have not the complete pouch; and are always an indication that the animal belongs to this order. The Great Kangaroo inhabits New Holland and Van Diemen's Land. Its length is about five feet without the tail, which measures about three feet. Its singular formation, pecu- liarly adapted to the country, calls forth a corresponding de- gree of ingenuity on the part of the natives, who live much on its flesh. Its method of progression is by immense leaps from its long hind legs, assisted by its tail. The length of each leap is about fifteen feet. Of course this swiftness would soon leave its pursuers behind, but tho Australian is able to break one of its limbs or strike it insensiKle to the ground with his boomerang, the most wonderful weapon that uncivilized man ever produced. This extraordinar
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1883
