The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1879-07-02

ave were to assemble next morn.
ing at our friends station for break.
fast, after which We were TO join a
large party that had assembled at the
place selected for the hunt II was a
lovely morning, with fine, brisk
wind blowing, just sufficient to dry
up all the moisture from the atm0s-
phere
We arrived upon the ground in
good time, and found those whom we
were to join already waiting for Us.
The dogs which accompanied them
for the purpose of the hunt were un-
like what we had been accustomed to
in the more civilized neighborhood of
Melbourne. They were kind OF
large, bony greyhounds-a cross be-
tween the grey hound aud Scotch
deerhound and it was explained that
instead of following their quarry by
scent, they hunted entirely BY sight.
The district which had been selected
was not very prolific in kangaroo, as
it is deemed better to select localities
where few are sure to be found,
but not in large focks, as i: is diff
cult under these circumstances to
separate them, and the dogs are apt
to select an animal for themselves,
instead of all keeping to one in par
ticular
We were soon 'on to an old man.
who led US at rattling pace AT
first it was very treacherous work
riding through the thick bush, and it
was necessary to keep sharp look
out simultaneous for the eyes, the
knees, and the neck. The saddles
used in the bush have large knee
pads, to prevent any injury tc the
knees ; for it is impossible on all &C.
casions, especially when riding after
cattle through the bush, to prevent
the face and eyes coming in contact
with the branches, and also to guard
against the number of hidden, fallen
trees, which had been overgrown
with ferns and grasses
The horse, however, which had
been bred 10 and is accustomed to
the bush, is itself very careful; and
if the rider has tight hsnd, and sits
steadily and easily, yet closely to his
steed, he is almost sure 10 be carried
safely through all difficulties. The
pace, as had said, was very great
at first, but gradually slackened as
We proceeded, and the animal began
to tire.
Some of the party bad already had
enough of it. and horse ridden by
the owner Of two Of the best dogs in
the pack had got badly staked Pres
emily we came to cultivated land. |
and here the kangaroo endeavored to
intercept US by placing a pretty stiff
log fence between him and his pur-
suers. But be might have saved him
self the trouble, poor old mao, had be
known vigt small batch of horse
men and ogs behind him could do in
the way i overcoming these obsta-
cles; a. j when he perceived that
even this last effort was of no avail,
and that he was sill p0rsued, be ev-
identity began 10 lose heart, and soon
came 10 s;andstill
The dogs cautiously approached
him now, cautiously, | say, for they
were old hands, and well knew the
terrible use the old man could make
of his toes when driven to desperation
in this way and most of the dogs
bore testimony of bis powers by the
large scars which were visible on
their sides, FOR kangaroo can rip
dog, or anything which attacks him,
in the most wholesale manner, By the
use of the sharp claw. attached to
his legs.
The dogs were now called off, and
one of the party dismounted, getting
behind the animal, while another fac
ed bin, with heavily loaded hunt
ing whip, in order to dispatch him.
This was no easy matter, as the kan
garoe would ward off the blows with
his arms and hands, showing the
skill If an experienced fencer. He
would often endeavor to charge bis
in front; but, fortunately
for the enemy, who otherwise would
not fail to feel the animals fury,
there was another behind, who would
at this moment se;ze him by the tail,
and, by well-directed blow from
his loaded whip on the animals head,
put an end to the combat"