SINGULAR KANGAROO.

However, Mr. Bynoe succeeded in shooting one which possessed the singular appendage of a nail, like that on a man’s little finger, attached to the tail.

I regret that we had no subsequent opportunity to decide whether this was one of a new species of the Macropodidae family, or a mere lusus naturae.  The dimensions and height of this singular animal were as follows:*

Length of body from tip of nose:  22 inches. 
Length of tail from stump to tip:  24 1/2 inches. 
Weight:  13 pounds.

(Footnote.  This animal has been classed by Mr. Gould as Macropus unguifer, and is now deposited in the British Museum.  One precisely similar was afterwards killed on the east coast of the gulf of Carpentaria.)

We also saw some very large red or cinnamon-coloured kangaroos, but never got near enough to secure one; they were apparently identical with a new race, of which I afterwards procured a specimen at Barrow’s Island.*

(Footnote.  Osphranter isabellinus.  Gould.)

One day, when I had penetrated some considerable distance into the bush, farther indeed than any of our party had strayed before, I saw a large bustard, but was unable to get a shot at him; his anxious and acute gaze had detected me, at the same moment that I had discovered him, and he was off.  I thought at the time that he bore a strong resemblance to the wild turkey of the colonists in the southern parts of the continent.  We were lucky enough to shoot several quails of apparently quite a new species.  In one particular they differed from the members of the genus Coturnis, in having no hind toe.  Goannas and lizards were plentiful in this neighbourhood, and some of the latter in particular were most brilliant in colour:  they ran down the tall trees, in which they seem to pass a great portion of their lives, at our approach, with a most marvellous rapidity, and darting along the ground, were soon in safety.

ANTHILLS.

But what, perhaps, most attracted our attention, was the very surprising size of the anthills, or nests.  I measured one, the height of which was 13 feet, and width at the base 7 feet; from whence it tapered gradually to the apex.  They are composed of a pale red earth; but how it is sufficiently tempered, I am unable to state; certain is it, that it has almost the consistence of mortar, and will bear the tread of a man upon the top.

FISH.

The fishing over the ship’s side was not less successful than hauling the seine; though quite a different kind of fish was taken to reward the labour of the saltwater Waltonians, who devoted themselves to it.  They generally secured (at slack water) a large fish, in shape like a bream, and with long projecting teeth.

February 6.

We made up a party on the 6th for the purpose of penetrating a little way into the interior, and got seven miles from the sea in a South by West direction.  Everything wore a green and most delightful appearance; but the reader must bear in mind, how vegetation had just been forced by heavy rains upon a light, heated soil, and also recollect that to one who has been pent up for some time on board ship a very barren prospect may seem delightful.