The image represents Angas' interpretation of grass trees at Yankallillah, with the red kangaroo (Macropus Laniger - Gould), and is from his book South Australia illustrated. Part of the text accompanying the illustration reads:

'This scene represents the largest variety of the Xantharea, which is to be met with in South Australia; there are from ten to fifteen species already known, all of which are designated by the Colonists as "grass trees" ... The kangaroo figured in the plate is the Great Red Kangaroo, the (Macropus laniger) of Gould; it is not frequent in South Australia, at least within the limits of the settled districts ...'.

The largest of the marsupials, the red kangaroo is probably one of the best known of the species and lives in small groups in the dry interior. The animals can go without water for a considerable time, provided there is green feed available. The males weigh up to 90 kilos and can be 2 metres tall. Contrary to their name they are not always red, but are greyish blue. They can travel at speeds of up to 60kms per hour and leap 8-10 metres. One can only imagine how new settlers reacted to their first encounters with this and other uniquely Australian creatures and plants during the earliest period of European settlement to the 1850s. 'Yankallillah' is the spelling used by Angas.

Angas, George French, 1822-1886

Gould, John, 1804-1881

Gould, John, Kangaroos; With modern commentaries by Joan M. Dixon South Melbourne, Vic.: Macmillan, 1973

Kangaroos, wallabies and rat-kangaroos edited by Gordon Grigg, Peter Jarman and Ian Hume Chipping Norton, N.S.W.: Surrey Beatty & Sons, 1989

Colwell, M and Alan Naylor. Adelaide: an illustrated history, [Joslin, S. Aust.]: McP, 1981

Insights into South Australian history, volume 2: South Australia's German history and heritage, Harmstorf, Ian A. ed, Adelaide: Historical Society of South Australia, 1992-

Tregenza, John George French Angas, artist, traveller and naturalist, 1822-1886 Adelaide: Art Gallery Board of South Australia, 1982

Jennings, Helen Young Bingham Hutchinson (1806-70) and the foundation of South Australia Adelaide: Pioneers' Association of South Australia, 1991

Kwan, Elizabeth. Living in South Australia: a social history, Netley, S. Aust.: South Australian Government Printer, 1987

Migration Museum. From many places: the history and cultural traditions of South Australian people, Kent Town, S. Aust.: Migration Museum (History Trust of S.A.) in association with Wakefield Press, 1995

Australian Department of the Environment: Wildlife Trade and Conservation: Kangaroo family

Treasures of the State Library of South Australia: George French Angas South Australia illustrated

Treasures of the State Library of South Australia : Go to 'Treasures of the State Library'

Australian Dictionary of Biography Online Edition: Search for George French Angas

Pictures Catalogue National Library of Australia

PictureAustralia