Kangaroo hunt—Ferocity of that animal—Use of its
tendons—The culinary parts—Haunts of the kangaroo—A
death struggle—Dissection of a kangaroo—Preservation of
human fat—Ascent of trees in pursuit of game—Parrots and
cockatoos—The emu—The native porcupine—Species of ophthalmia,
termed the blight—Leave the Tumat country—Banks of the
Murrumbidgee—Aborigines—Water gum-tree—Kangaroo rat—The
fly-catcher—The satin bird—Sheep stations—Colonial industry.
On arriving at the plain, having the dogs with us, we started a
kangaroo;[108] (the common species, or _Macropus major_ of Shaw;
_Kangurus labiatus_, Geoff.;) the dogs pursued, but we stopped our
horses, for a young kangaroo was lying tranquilly upon the grass,
apparently unconscious of danger; the stock-keeper, who accompanied me,
alighted and secured it. To prevent escape, he tied the hind legs, and
then placed it upon the ground; the animal, however, contrived to make
off, and we had some difficulty in re-capturing it. Occupied with the
young, we forgot the old one, and, as the dogs returned unsuccessful from
the chase, it must have either outrun them, or perished in the river
which was near; for when closely pursued, these animals run towards a
river, (when one is near,) and dash into it without hesitation. Should
the water be deep, they instantly sink and perish; if shallow, they
remain in it, keeping their pursuers at bay.
The following anecdote was related to me respecting an animal of this
species. A man went out to hunt kangaroos, and having started a large
male, the pursued animal took refuge in a water-hole, sufficiently
shallow to enable him to keep his head and fore-paws above water, and
here awaited the attack of the dog, which he soused fairly under water,
when he came within reach. Pat, (for the gentleman was from the sister
kingdom,) in a great rage at the threatened death of the dog, would
have shot the kangaroo, but the gun missed fire; he then entered the
water-hole “to bate the brains of the baste out” with the butt-end of
the gun; but the “baste,” not fancying to be thus treated, turned from
the soused and now senseless dog to his more formidable adversary, and a
struggle took place, in which the man was often thrust under water, and
victory was promising much in favour of the kangaroo, when some of Pat’s
companions fortunately coming to his assistance, attacked and killed the
animal with clubs, and rescued him in almost an insensible condition; on
recovery he vowed not to hunt the “big bastes again.” This circumstance
occurred some years since at Yas Plains, on its first settlement, and
when kangaroos were exceedingly abundant. It is now a rare occurrence to
see one upon these plains. Happening to meet the hero of the above tale,
(I mean the man, not the kangaroo,) I asked him how he felt when the
beast hugged him; he replied, “Not very comfortable; he tumbled me about
famously; they are mighty strong bastes, and don’t seem to like being
meddled with.” Indeed, many persons when alone are afraid to face a large
“old man” kangaroo. A man recently arrived in the colony, was sent after
cattle; he returned in great terror, having, it appears, come suddenly on
the ranges upon a kangaroo, as “large,” he said, “as a horse.” I asked
him the colour of the animal; he replied that he did not recollect it;
he only wished to get away from the beast, and running down the hill,
was glad when he saw the animal _warn’t_ following him; it is probable
when he went down one part of the range, the animal, equally, if not more
frightened, descended another. We passed over the ranges close to the
stream of the Tumat, a rugged route, at some parts dangerous for horses,
but the sure-footed animals carried us safely over places which would
have astonished European horsemen.
After leaving Blowrin Plain, we saw several kangaroos on the ranges; one
was pursued, and after a short chase overtaken and killed by the dogs.
It was a female of the common species,[109] (the males of this species
are called by the colonists “foresters,” the females “flyers.”) The
weight of the animal was seventy-six pounds, but many have been killed
in the neighbouring ranges weighing two hundred and twenty pounds: this
specimen was conveyed to Been, where I dissected it.
We returned through a picturesque and fertile country, watered by the
Tumat river; many of the Grey cockatoos, with red crests, known by the
native name of “Gang, gang,” were seen, and a beautiful white hawk was
quietly perched upon the lofty dead trunk of a tree. The methods employed
by the natives to capture kangaroos, is either driving them into a
river and killing them with spears; or on observing one approaching,
by remaining perfectly quiet, they are mistaken by the animals for the
charred trunk of a tree, and fearlessly advancing, are speared or killed
by clubs.[110]
The tendons of the muscles about the tail of the kangaroo, and those
of the legs of the emu, are converted into thread by the natives, who
manufacture from it a neat net ornament, called “Bollombine.” One of
these ornaments, made for me by a native female, of the tendons procured
from the kangaroo, was executed in the following manner:—The longest
tendons selected from the tail were laid in an extended position to dry
in the sun; they were afterwards divided into threads; (when dry they are
capable of producing threads of considerable fineness;) the cord intended
for this ornament was made by two of these threads being rolled upon
the thigh, additions being made until a sufficient length was obtained
for the purpose required, usually extending to several yards. The
netting process is executed in a manner somewhat similar to our own; the
ornament, one inch and a-half in breadth, extends like a fillet around
the front part of the head, being tied behind by strings of the same
material: it is worn by males and females, and coloured with red ochre
or pipe-clay, according to the taste of the wearer; the stock-keepers
value the tendons for whip-lashes, and say nothing can surpass them for
durability.
The part of the kangaroo most esteemed for eating is the loins; and the
tail, which abounds in gelatine, furnishes an excellent and nourishing
soup; the hind legs are coarse, and usually fall to the share of
the dogs. The natives (if they can be said to have a choice) give a
preference to the head. The flesh of the full-grown animal may be
compared to lean beef, and that of the young to veal; they are destitute
of fat, if we except a little being occasionally seen between the muscles
and integuments of the tail. The colonial dish called a _steamer_,
consists of the flesh of this animal dressed, with slices of ham. The
liver, when cooked, is crisp and dry, and is considered a substitute for
bread; but I cannot coincide in this opinion.
While visiting the “Blowrin Flat,” on hunting and other excursions,
I frequently observed marks upon the grass where kangaroos had been
herding; at one place the grass was beaten down, and a quantity of
their fur strewed about the ground, an indication of their having
been recently engaged in active warfare, leaving behind them, like
the Kilkenny cats, only some morsels of flue. Although we had many
indications of these animals having visited the flat, we rarely saw them,
except upon the ranges, particularly those spots where, the grass having
been recently burnt, the young herbage was springing up.[111] It is usual
for kangaroos to frequent the high land during the summer, seeking the
more sheltered situations during winter.
The females are not permitted to eat the flesh of the kangaroo, for if
they did (the selfish males observe) “our dogs would die;” nor are the
women, it is said, allowed to eat the flesh of the “Bandicoot” (called
Kudjun, Mandu, or Gorun, by the natives) until they have borne a child.
The dying kangaroo would afford a subject worthy of the inimitable pencil
of Landseer, as it lies prostrate on that ground, where, but a few
minutes before, it fed and gambolled, unconscious of danger, moaning
piteously under the unmerciful fangs of the hounds: its eyes, dim with
tears, seeming to upbraid the hunter for his cruelty. No one can behold
the tragic scene without feeling pangs of regret, as the dogs worry the
animal until the hunter dismounts, and passing his knife across the
creature’s throat, the crimson stream flows, and the fixed glassy eye
indicates the termination of life.
One day, while hunting kangaroos over the ranges, we started a female,
reposing during the heat of the day under a tree; she was soon seized
and destroyed by the dogs. A short distance further on the same range,
we came upon a large male kangaroo, which bounding away, we had a fine
chase after him over stumps of trees, bushes, loose wood, and rocks, and
found these impediments, over a naturally irregular ground, any thing
but safe; but the horse I rode was accustomed to such places, and, being
sure-footed, he carried me safe over all difficulties in sufficient time
to witness the death-struggle. The kangaroo had been arrested in his
progress by the hounds, on ascending a steep acclivity. When descending a
hill these animals make surprising leaps, and bound with great speed also
upon level ground; but when ascending a hill they are soon captured. The
dogs had judiciously divided their attack upon the large and now furious
animal, two having seized each a hind leg, and firmly kept it down, as
if instinctively knowing the danger of its claws; another firmly grasped
the throat; the animal in return hugging him between his fore-paws; the
fourth made his attacks upon any part where an opportunity offered.
Although the kangaroos have so pretty and innocent a physiognomy, yet
when attacked, and defending themselves in the “strife of death,” they
display a fierceness of disposition which would not be supposed from
their gentle nature. The “old man,” as a full grown male is called by
the colonists, is really a formidable opponent when at bay, either for
man or dogs; and although the engagement usually terminates against the
unfortunate animal, yet the struggle is often violent and protracted
before its death is accomplished. The object of our chase stood erect,
braving the unequal contest, which he had endeavoured to, but could not,
avoid; the victory was strongly disputed, and three of the hounds being
young, I doubt whether it would have terminated in their favour, as they
began to be exhausted, when the overseer, dismounting, overturned the
animal, and keeping its hind legs down with his utmost strength, the dogs
attacked the throat, and its existence was soon terminated.
The weight of this animal was one hundred and sixty pounds. On the inner
side of each knee-joint I observed a collection of several hundreds of
worms,[112] long, thin, and of a white colour, inclosed in a cyst of
cellular membrane, through which they could be seen. It was situated
external to the knee-joint. I dissected a cyst as perfectly as possible,
and placed them in spirits; at the same time regretting that I had no
means of preserving the joint with the cyst attached entire. Similar
worms are said to exist in the stomach and intestines of the animal.
These cysts, I understand, are not uncommon; some persons have asserted
that they have never killed a kangaroo without them, whilst others
declare they are more common in males than in females,[113] and are found
in two kangaroos out of three.
When examining the body of the kangaroo last killed, the attack of
mosquitoes, horse-flies, and others, nearly obliged us to abandon our
game, for portions of the animal were almost immediately covered with
white maggots, (the “blow flies” in this country are viviparous,)[114]
and on the conclusion of my investigations, we were glad to take our
departure, and leave the carcase to myriads of tormenting insects that
were fast increasing from all directions. I observed the molar teeth of
the two female kangaroos had a layer of metallic substance incrusting
them, and could readily be knocked off; it resembles the “golden teeth”
often observed in sheep and other herbaceous animals.[115]
The aborigines have a custom of preserving human fat. I observed it among
the Yas, Murrumbidgee, and other tribes. They show it with reluctance to
Europeans. I could not ascertain the motive with certainty. Some said it
was as a charm—others that it was used in the cure of diseases: that it
is applied to the latter purpose I believe, from having seen it smeared
over or near the place at which a patient complained of pain, or had
received injury. The fat is not taken from particular individuals, that
from any human body being considered equally efficacious. The aborigines,
when young, have the foot arched, becoming flattened as they advance in
years;[116] and the children, as among all savage, and perhaps even
civilized, races, when able to provide for themselves, are careless of
parental regard or protection.
It is surprising with what facility the natives ascend, in pursuit of
game, trees of large circumference, without a branch to aid them except
near the summit, merely by making small notches with their tomahawks
upon the trunk, in which the feet are placed. I even saw a female ascend
a lofty tree for the purpose of taking a nest of the “Juliong,” or Rose
Hill parrot, from the hollow branch or “spout” of the tree: she brought
down in safety five full-fledged young ones. The natives eat them, as
they do all living things. The eggs of this species of parrot are of a
light bluish colour, with small, pale, brown spots. The young of all
the parrot tribe were now abundant. One evening a sound met my ears,
resembling the harmonious voices of swine at a distance; but it appeared
the noise proceeded from a batch of young “Wagaras,” or cockatoos, in
an adjoining tree, which were either disturbed by flying squirrels and
opossums,[117] or, as a black “feller” observed, “’pose got no supper,
_merry hungry_.”
The Emu, or New Holland cassowary, (_Casuarius Novæ Hollandiæ_, Lath.)
were abundant about this part of the colony, more particularly at a place
not far distant, called “Naganbilly.” It is, however, to be regretted,
that the birds are becoming rarer as settlements advance, as they could
be readily domesticated. The same remark applies also to the kangaroo
and other animals, against whom a war of extermination seems to have
been declared. The emu is principally valued for its oil. The natives in
this part of the colony call them “Gorin,” and “Berebine.” The skin of
a full-grown bird produces six or seven quarts of oil, clear, and of a
beautiful bright yellow colour: the method of extracting or “trying” the
oil, is to pluck the feathers, cut the skin into pieces, and boil it;
but the aborigines prefer the flesh with the skin upon it, regarding it,
as the Esquimaux do the flesh of whales and seals, as a highly luscious
treat. The oil is excellent for burning; it produces no disagreeable
smell: it is also considered a good liniment for sprains or bruises in
horses and cattle, either alone, or when stronger stimulating properties
are required, mixed with turpentine.
The emu crops herbage like the cow or horse, and possesses great keenness
of vision. The flesh is eaten by Europeans, and preferred by some to
the kangaroo: the rump part is considered as delicate as fowl; the legs
coarse like beef, but still tender: the _fibula_ bone of the leg is used
as an ornament by the natives. The best time to hunt these birds is at
an early hour in the morning. They are swift of foot; but when once the
dogs get up to them, they are speedily overthrown and dispatched. The
formation of their nest is simple: they usually select a situation, in a
scrub, upon the hills, where a space is scraped similar to those formed
by brooding hens; sticks and leaves, which alone form the nest, are left
round the cleared place: here the eggs are deposited without regard to
regularity, the number varying from nine to thirteen; and it is a curious
circumstance, that there is always an odd number; some nests having
been discovered with nine, others with eleven, and others again with
thirteen. It is now ascertained beyond doubt that the eggs are hatched
by incubation. They are of large size, and of a beautiful bluish green
colour.
Among other extraordinary animals furnished to the naturalists in this
interesting country, is the _Echidna_, or “native porcupine,” the
Nickobejan and Jannocumbine of the natives. It inhabits mountain ranges,
burrowing with extraordinary facility; and at this season (December)
produces its young. It forms a link between _Hystrix_ and _Myrmecophaga_,
differing but little in external characters from the genera _Manis_ and
_Myrmecophaga_; a new genus has been therefore formed for it—_Echidna_,
in the order _Edentata_, tribe _Monotrema_. It was named _Myrmecophaga
aculeata_, by Shaw; at the same time that he considered the external
character sufficiently distinct to place it in a new genus. He thus
correctly describes the animal.
“The whole upper parts of the body and tail are thickly coated with
strong and sharp spines. The snout is long and tubular, having only a
small _rictus_, or opening, at the tip, from whence is protruded a long,
lumbriciform tongue, as in other ant-eaters. The nostrils are small,
and seated at the extremity of the snout: the eyes are small and black,
with a pale blue iris. It burrows with great strength and celerity
under ground when disturbed; it will even burrow under a pretty strong
pavement, removing the stones with its claws, or under the bottom of a
wall. During these exertions, its body is stretched or lengthened to
an uncommon degree, and appears very different from the short or plump
aspect which it bears in its undisturbed state.”
At Goulburn Plains, the natives brought me a young living specimen of
this animal, which they had just caught upon the ranges: they called it
“Jannocumbine,” and fed it upon ants and ants’ eggs. It was often taken
to an ant-hill, to provide itself with food: from being so young, it had
an unsteady walk, and was covered with short sharp spines, projecting
above the fur. On expressing a fear to the natives of not being able
to keep it alive, they replied that “it would not now die, as it had
prickles on:” meaning, I suppose, that it could feed and provide for
itself, not requiring the fostering care of its parents. On asking
whether it was a male or female, they examined the hind feet for the
spurs, and, seeing them, declared it to be a male. It sleeps during the
day, running about and feeding at night. Its movements are tardy, the
principal exertions being made when burrowing. When touched upon the
under surface, or uncovered parts of its body, or when attacked by
dogs, it rolls, like the hedge-hog, into a spherical form, the prickly
coat forming a good defence against the canine race, who have a decided
aversion to have their noses pricked. When attacked, it has been known
to burrow to a great depth in a surprising short period of time. I do
not think that either this animal, from its coat not bearing caresses,
or the large lizard, called Guana, from its repulsive form, will ever
be admitted into the nursery of favourite animals by the ladies of the
colony.
The _Echidna_ is eaten by the natives, who declare it to be “cobbong
budgeree” (very good,) “and, like pig, very fat.” Europeans who have
eaten of them, confirm this opinion, and observe that they taste similar
to a sucking pig. This animal, when scratching, or rather cleaning
itself, uses only the hind claws, lying in different positions, so as to
enable it to reach the part of the body to be operated upon. The animal
is pentadactyle, the two first claws of the hind feet being long, the
first the longest; that of the great toe the shortest: they seem to
have the power of erecting their spines, and, rolling themselves into a
spherical form, making an excellent defence against many of their enemies.
I consider there are two species of this genus existing:—first, _E.
hystrix_, Desm., or Spiny Echidna, which is found on the mountain ranges
in the colony of New South Wales; and the second, _E. Setosa_, Desm.,
or Bristly Echidna, which is found more common in Van Dieman’s Land.
The first species attains a large size: it is stated in our works of
natural history as being the size of a hedge-hog: my young specimen was
fully that. At “Newington,” the residence of John Blaxland, Esq., I had
an opportunity of seeing a specimen full fourteen inches long, and of
proportionate circumference: it fed upon milk and eggs, the eggs boiled
hard and chopped up small, with rice; its motion was heavy and slow; it
was of a perfectly harmless disposition. When disturbed from its place of
retreat, it would feed during the day; but was difficult to remove from
the cask in which it was placed, on account of its firmly fixing itself
at the bottom: it feeds, by thrusting out the tongue, to which organ the
food is attached, and then withdrawing it. Mine moved about, and drank
milk at night, taking little other food. After keeping it for nearly
seven months, I found it one morning dead.
There is an affection of the eye, which much prevails at this season of
the year in the interior of the colony, attacking both European settlers
and natives, and is called by the colonists the “blight:” it occurs only
during the summer season: the attack is sudden, no doubt proceeding
from the bite of a gnat, or some other insect. I had an opportunity
of witnessing a case of this malady, which occurred in a native. The
integuments surrounding the orbit were puffed up so much, as totally to
close the eye, which was found much inflamed, as in acute ophthalmia,
and attended with symptoms, in some degree similar, with severe itching
and pricking pain, as if sand had been lodged in it, with a profuse
flow of tears. This disease seldom continues for more than three days,
even if no remedy be applied. A spirit lotion has been found the most
beneficial application. Last summer every individual at one of the farms
was attacked by it in both eyes, occasioning temporary blindness, and
much inconvenience was experienced from all being attacked at the same
period.[118]
On the 14th of December, I left the Tumat country on my return to Yas.
Day had just dawned when I commenced my journey; the sky was clear and
serene; the rising sun gilded the summits of the picturesque mountains;
the sparkling dew was not yet dispelled, and all nature looked refreshed;
the atmosphere was cool and agreeable, and the birds chanted, as if to
salute the rising orb with their early melody; the dark foliage of the
swamp oaks, and a brighter vegetation, would indicate the proximity
of the river, whose murmuring stream was occasionally heard, although
its waters were not seen. But as the day advanced, it became more
sultry; vegetation drooped with excessive heat; the feathered songsters
ceased their carolling, and only a few herons, magpies, (“Karo” of the
aborigines,) and crows, were visible. I arrived at Darbylara late in the
afternoon.
The banks of the Murrumbidgee were beautifully picturesque. How
delightful it is in this country, so destitute of large streams, to
sit under the overshadowing branches of the Eucalypti, near the river,
watching the flights of wild fowl, engaged in catching the fish, with
which this river abounds, or seeing the young amphibious blacks amusing
themselves by throwing stones into the deep part of the stream, and
diving in order to catch them before they reach the bottom. In this
amusement, they displayed much activity, and in nearly every instance
succeeded in regaining the stone before it reached the bottom. The
competition among them to catch it, was highly amusing.
There were a number of the aborigines about this farm, who made
themselves occasionally useful by grinding wheat, and other occupations;
but no dependence can be placed upon their industry for they work
when they please, and remain idle when they like; the latter being of
most frequent occurrence; but they are encouraged for their valuable
assistance in finding strayed cattle, as they track the beasts with an
accuracy seldom or never attained by a European.
The river’s banks abounded in trees of enormous size, and were profusely
embellished with elegant flowers. I saw a species of the Eucalyptus,
called the “Water Gum,” full a hundred feet in elevation, and six or
seven feet in diameter.[119] I also observed a swamp oak[120] growing
from the trunk of one of these trees, having quite a parasitical
character; the former being about twelve feet high, and the latter full
forty, both in a flourishing condition. An animal, called “Water-rat” by
the colonists, and Biddunong by the aborigines, burrowed in the banks;
but I was not able to procure a specimen. There are also two species
of the Kangaroo-rat found about this part of the colony; one called
“Cannamung,” and the second, a larger species, called “Talbung” by the
blacks.
About the river’s banks an elegant species of fly-catcher, “Birinberu”
of the natives, was numerous, burrowing for some distance in the sand,
where it lays its eggs, and produces young. It is about the size of a
lark, of beautiful and varied plumage, migrating from this part of the
country in the winter, and returning in the summer to build about its
old haunts. I examined several of the burrows, which were situated on a
sandy flat, near the river; the entrance was two inches and a half at
its broadest diameter, continuing of a breadth seldom exceeding three
inches, to the length of three feet generally,—although some were even
longer,—terminating in a space from six to eight inches broad, where
the eggs are laid, no nest was constructed, and, on examining the first
burrow, I found four young ones reposing upon the bare sand. I covered
the burrow as well as possible, leaving the young ones to a mother’s
care, who soon returned to her progeny. Other burrows contained from
four to five white nearly round eggs. The length of these birds was ten
inches from the beak to the two projecting tail feathers, which last
were usually an inch and a half beyond the others: the irides were of a
beautiful bright-red colour.
There are several species of birds seen here during the summer season,
migrating in the winter, and others returning in the winter, and taking
their departure in the summer. Observations upon the migration of
birds in this colony would be interesting, as the accounts are often
contradictory. The elegant “satin-bird,” (_Ptilinorynchus_ of Temminck,)
it is said, leaves the Murrumbidgee country during summer, returning
in autumn: it is also mentioned, that the aborigines never kill this
bird.[121]
Cattle and sheep stations now extend for some distance down the
Murrumbidgee probably as much as fifty miles. The following is a list of
them, commencing from below Mr. Warby’s farm at Darbylara. At a distance
of two miles from Darbylara, proceeding down the stream, is the
Miles. Belonging to
1st Station, “Minghee,” Mr. Warby, sen.
2 beyond, 2d Station, “Gundagiar,” Mr. Hutchinson.
5 — 3d Station, “Willeplumer,” Mr. Stuckey.
4 — 4th Station, “Kimo,” Mr. Guise.
3 — 5th Station, “Wadjego,” Mrs. Jenkins.
4 — 6th Station, “Nanghas,” Mr. J. M’Arthur.
8 — 7th Station, “Jabtre,” Mr. Ellis.
2 — 8th Station, “Wandubadjere,” Mr. Thorn.
10 — 9th Station, “Kubandere,” Mr. Tompson.
10 — 10th Station, “Billing billing,” Mr. H. M’Arthur.
The natives’ names of that part of the country where the stations are
situated have been retained; the distance in miles is nominal.
The family at Darbylara are generally industriously employed in making
butter and cheese, which is taken to Sydney for sale: they possess
numerous herds of cattle, and the luxuriant pasturage about the farm
fattens and enables the milch cows to furnish abundance of milk. From
the industry displayed by this family, they deserve to realize an
independence from their exertions. Formerly flocks of sheep were kept
about the farm; but from great losses being sustained among them, from a
morbid propensity of destroying their progeny, they were given up, and
more attention paid to this as a dairy farm, for which purpose no land
could be better selected.