2-888-413 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Killing a "Boomer", 1850. Kangaroo-hunting in Australia: 'The native name for the Kangaroo is "boomer" hence the boomerang...the kangaroo is seized on by the dogs, whilst the horseman assists to "stick" him...the dogs closed with him, and we came up as he stood at bay. He was a noble creature, and fought desperately with his fore-paws; a single kick with his hind-feet would have laid any one of the dogs dead. It was a cruel sight to see the poor beast struggling hard for life beneath the bright sky, in his own free deserts; his large and eloquent eyes filled with tears, and his head and shoulders covered with blood...In size it equals a sheep, some of the largest weighing 1401b.; and the flesh is represented by those who have tasted it as being a little like venison. The tail is said to make rich and savoury soup...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.