The sight, smell, and hearing of the kangaroo are extremely well developed, and, owing to its timidity, the creature is always on the alert to discover if enemies are near. It stands a picture of attention, its eyes gazing steadfastly, its ears erect and set toward the wind to catch the first note of danger, the flexible nostril quivering as it scents now here, now there, for warning of a foe. This timidity also causes the kangaroo to avoid solitude; they neither go singly, nor in pairs; but in little groups, each group or herd under the charge of some strong and wise old male kangaroo. These bands are often made up of an old father and mother kangaroo and their children. One, and sometimes two, little ones are born at one time, but as they attain their growth they linger about their parents. Thus the adult pair will be followed by a train of eight, ten, or twelve children of all ages and sizes, from full-grown specimens, seven or eight years old, down to the keen-eyed little creature peering out of its good mamma’s fur pocket. It was formerly the custom of that nearly extinct animal, the bison, to go in herds, led by the oldest and strongest fighters. Kangaroos prefer to graze in the vicinity of woods; for they are good climbers, and given to taking refuge in trees. When the jump, for which the kangaroo is famous, is made, it is by muscular contraction of the great hind-legs, and with this effort they droop the head and shoulders, and balance them by the long tail, which during the jump is held horizontally backward. When full grown the coat of the kangaroo is silky on the head, shoulders, and tail, and woolly on the body. The skin, especially of the legs and haunches, is thick and tough, and makes good leather. The avidity with which these animals are hunted in Australia will soon make them as scarce as bison have become from the same reckless slaughter; and unless means for their preservation are taken, the nineteenth century is likely to see the extinction of this remarkable, ancient macropus family. The kangaroo is so easily acclimated that some effort is being made in Europe to breed kangaroos. As they are readily kept it is thought that, domesticated and carefully reared, they would be as useful for hides and flesh, as cattle or sheep. FOOTNOTES: [54] Pronounced sin-_dak_-tilla. LESSON XXVI. LOW DOWN IN THE SCALE. “Parts relate to whole; One all extending, all preserving soul Connects each being, greatest with the least; Made beast in aid of man, and man of beast; All served, all serving, nothing stands alone; The chain holds on, and where it ends--unknown.” --POPE.