Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-10-30
Hunting Kangaroos.

IHe Traveller NlOlu ldNc OlIASs ~
the colonies may journey from end to
end Of them without seeing in the
flesh either OF the animals that figure
upon the Australian coat OF arms
the kangaroo and emu. There are
plenty of both in certain districts, but
they are many miles away from the
railroads, as a rule, and are seen only
by those who have occasion TO visit
remote stations" and to explore the
alternate stretches of plain and
bush" which constitute the back
focks,' as the interior portions OF the
country are styled in colonial phrase
ology.
When the early settlers entered the
country they found the marsupial
tribe swarming in countless millions
all over it, and when they sought
pasturage for their hocks discovered
that the ungenerous soil would not
furnish grass enough for kangarooS
and sheep together. \ war Of eIter-
mination upon the original pssturers
upon the land was therefore inaugu-
rated. and waged with such deadly
effect that at present a Kangaroo isin
most districts quite as conspicuous by
his absence as the buffalo upon the
plains of America.
The old squatters relate eXtraOrdi-
nary tales of the former abundance OF
these strange creatures-howt the eye
could not range in any direction with
out seeing hundreds of them how
they entered the 'paddocks' and
grazed in the midst of the sheep, and
how, when the grass grew scant and
the flocks were on the verge Of star
vation, drives were organized, in
which thousands Of the kangaroos
were killed and the sparse pasturags
was eased. Wanton as seems the
wholesale slaughter OF these animals,
ii was, from the squatter's point OF
view, a stern and imperative necessi-
ty. The only regret of pastoralists in
the premises is that they did not then
know the fortune that they lost by al
lowing the carcasSes OF the slain TO lie
and rot where they had fallen for
there was no suspicion then that kan
garoo leather was of any value, or
that demand would spring up for it
that should make the skin of one OF
these animals worth more than that
of the sheep whose protection was
bought by their slaughter. So impor-
liant has the trade in kangaroo hides
now become that the question Of how
the animals that furnish them shall
be preserved has taken the place Of
devising measures for their eXtinc-
ton.
The progress of the kangaroo is
rapid, and for mile or two itrequires
IA. good horse to keep in sight Of him.
After that, however, he tires, and Is
overtallen without difficulty.
The chase of the kangaroo is under
taken variously-on horseback, with
or without dogs, and by stalking
either with rifle or shotgun. a kan
garoo hunt on horseback is an eXcit-
ing and often dangerous pastime. In
timber, where it usually takes place,
it is particularly hazardous, owing to
fallen logs and low set branches,
which often sweep the incautious
hunter over his horses tail and drop
him in an undignified position on the
ground behind. Firearms are not
employed in this pursuit, and when
the game is cornered it is killed by a
blow from the butt end OF heavy
riding whip or from stirrup which
is unshlpped from the saddle for the
purpose. The dogs used in the chase
are rough breed of large grey
hounds. which have not only the
strength necessary to pursue n flying
kangaroo for miles, but also to attack
him when he is brought to bay. The
old dogs in station pack OF kangaroo
hunters are often marked from ears
to tail with frightful sears, the rec
ords OF many tough encounters with
an animal which, tiinid and molten
sive as 1t is by nature, develops in
peril a courage and even ferocity that
are rarely found outside the order OF
carnivora.
The kangaroo seems poorly provl-
ded bynature with offensive weapons.
His powers Of biting are not formida
BILE. and his forepaws are so weak as
TO seem almost rudimentary members
and of little use. His hind legs are
muscular and strong, but are ap-
parently Of use only to assist flight
from his enemies. In these hind legs
is found however, Il most formidable
weapon in the shape OF long claw
5 hard as steel and sharp as a chisel
as terrible to dogs as the scythe
chariots OF the ancients we've TO their
enemies. When run down. the kan
CARGO. placing tree behind him to
protect his rear, will seize in his fore
paws such indiscreet dogs rs rush up
on him, and, holding them firmly.
disembowel them with a sweep Of his
sickle-like claws. Even the hunters
themselves thus caught in the vise-like
grip Of an ''old man" kangaroo OF the
larger breeds have sometimes suffered
in like manner. and have now and
then taken their own turn at being
hunted a. the enraged animal turned
upon them and attacked their horses