Page:Hunting and trapping stories; a book for boys (IA huntingtrappings00pric).pdf/160

 everywhere in great numbers from little ones, the size of a rabbit, to the old fellows, as tall as a man: but now they are becoming very rare, and it looks as though many species might become extinct.

At present the kangaroo is limited to the less frequented bush lands, far from the towns.

The kangaroo can be taught to box with boxing-gloves. This is sometimes seen in a circus, but the show is always attended with some little danger, for the instant the kangaroo thinks it is getting the worst of it, it will kick, and a kick from a full-grown kangaroo means great injury, if not death outright.

THE TREE KANGAROO.

In New Guinea is found the. It seems odd to think that one of this curious tribe of animals should be able to climb trees, but nevertheless it is a fact. The tree kangaroo scales the trees with great ease in its search for leaves and wild fruit, on which it lives.

The natives of New Guinea always try to avoid killing the tree kangaroo. Any native who should be unlucky enough to kill one by accident is immediately sent away into the forest by his companions, for fear of his bringing bad luck to the tribe, and no one is allowed to go near him, or take him any food. As venomous snakes and dangerous wild animals abound in the jungles the native exile seldom comes back again.

But little is known of this animal in its wild state, beyond the fact that it is very sly and silent. Its fur is beautiful, and of a rich dark color. There is also another climbing kangaroo which lives among the rocks, and by its extraordinary power of leaping from one bowlder to another, defies all pursuit. This is its way of escaping when chased by a pack of dingo dogs.