Australian Icons
The Australian Kangaroo
The Kangaroo is a marsupial and a mammal that lives exclusively on eating grasses and shoots (Herbavores). Males are Bucks, females Does and young ones are Joeys. Living in groups called mobs, Kangaroos have extremely good senses of hearing and scent, especially for danger. Kangaroos are part of the Macropodidae family which also includes Tree Kangaroos, Hare Wallabies, Rock Wallabies and more. Their powerful back legs are used for hopping and can be an awesome means of protection with razor sharp claws used in a striking action. The birth of their young can be controlled depending on the countries conditions.
The Australian Dingo
The Dingo is found in all states of Australia except Tasmania and is Australia's only wild dog and therefore a mammal. Dingos survive on kangaroos, wallabies, rabbits, rats, mice, etc. Dingos are very social animals, hunt in packs and mate only once a year producing a litter of around five to eight pups. The Dingo is a medium sized dog with a redish coat that howls instead of barking like the common domestic breed.
The Australia Kookaburra
The worlds largest Kingfisher, the Kookaburra measures around 45cm with a plumage of white and brown. Kookaburras survive on a vast ray of prey including grasshoppers, mice, worms, lizards, etc. They live and nest in heavy forested areas and woodlands. Normally nesting in tree hollows, Kookaburras make a loud laughing call to mark out their territory.
The Australian Merino Sheep
The Australian Merino Sheep is a strain of varying Australian sheep which was adapted for Australian conditions and quality of fleece. The Merino has extraordinary resilience to tough Australian climatic conditions. There are four strains of Merino sheep Pepin Merino, South Australian Merino, Saxon Merino and Spanish Merino all producing Superfine wool, Ultrafine wool, Fine Medium wool and Medium wool.
Early Shearers by Keith Garvey
The shearers left their homes behind
And swagged it to the West
The work was scarce and hard to find
Their backs were wrung, their faces lined
With pain and care unguessed
In lonely shed by rutted track
They plied their occupation
Mid blow-flies swarming big and black
And squatters waiting with the sack
On every far-out station.
The shearers left their sweat behind
The shanty keeper beckoned
The weaker ones their fate resigned
To drink, and soon were mad and blind
And broke before they reckoned.
Then hunted on like any dog
Their slender cheques expended
They gambled, fought and stole for grog
And in an alcoholic fog
Their self-respect surrendered.
The shearers left the years behind
Their wives and children waited
By hate and poverty destined
To long unhappy state of mind
By weak men regulated.
Some to new lovers quickly flew
Hope was elusive, wraithful,
While others steadfast, strong and true
Devoted to the men they knew
Remained forever faithful.
The shearers left their bones behind
Surrendering to their maker
On plains where hunger was unkind
And thirst destroyed the clouded mind
A crow the undertaker.
Rough brutal men without a soul
Destined to naught but failure
But one small claim I must extol
The shearers played a vital role
To pioneer Australia.
If the United States for two years spent zero on war and military, every adult in America over 18, could retire on the savings. E. Jason Brennan
Fuchsia & Geraniums in Australia
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Glorious Australiana images from a cd-rom called Images-Australia by ©GUM TREE GRAPHICS Artwork created by Australians Barry Gardner & Jason Jover. I recommend when looking for excellent computer graphics you request ©GUM TREE GRAPHICS from your retailer