Descriptions of kangaroos (text version)

Kangaroo by Sarah Stone

Sarah Stone worked as a natural history illustrator in England between 1777 and 1820. In many cases her drawings were the first studies of certain animal and plant species. Explorers would bring specimens of animals and plants back to England. It was Sarah’s job to draw them exactly as they looked. They are also beautiful works of art.

The Kangaroo by Arthur Bowes

One of many drawings by Arthur Bowes. Bowes took a great interest in Natural History. He collected specimens and did many drawings of them.

Hunter's journal (1)

This source is from a journal written by Captain John Hunter between 1787 and 1791. He was second in command in the First Fleet and early settlement at Sydney Cove.

Transcript of audio file:

One was Shot the other day which Weigh`d 140 lbs: its tail was 40 inches long and 17 in Circumference at the root – it is very well described by C.Cook, we Eat the flesh with great relish, & think it good Mutton, altho not so delicate as that which we sometimes find in Leadenhall Market – the Strength this Animal has in its hind quarters is very great

Hunter's journal (2)

In Hunter's times Imperial measurements were used. In decimal terms an inch is about 2 ½ centimetres, a yard is a little less than a metre and a 140 pounds (lbs) is about 63 kilograms.

Transcript of audio file:

in its endeavour to escape from us when surprised, it springs from it hind legs which are very long, and leaps at each bound about Six or Eight yard, but doesn not appear ever to lett its forefeet come near the ground, indeed they are so very short that it is not possible that the Animal can use them in running. They have vast strength also in their tail, it is no doubt a principal part of their defence

Bowes journal (1)

This journal is from Arthur Bowes. He was a surgeon.

Transcript of audio file:

This day, whilst I was in the Camp wt. Major Ross a large female Kangooroo was brot. into the Camp, &: likewise a young one wh. was found in its false belly, & appear'd not to have been long dropt

This Animal is so well discribed, & so excellent an Engraving is given of it in Capt. Cook's Voyages that I shall not say any thing of it here. I have a young one (a male) preserv'd in Spts.

Bowes' journal (2)

Bowes uses a lot of abbreviations in his journal. Using the words around them in a sentence you should be able to work out what the proper words are.

Transcript of audio file:

I have several times tasted the flesh of this Animal cook'd different ways, & at such a place as Port Jackson, where fresh meals are a great rarity, it is thought a Luxury but I cannot be so partial as to say it equals Venison, as some Gentlemen reported, or that it is even so good as Mutton it is totally destitute of fat, & the flesh as dark colour'd as Venison.