130 



BRANCH VERTEBRATA. 



FIG. 220. 



large femur bones with voluminous muscles, 

 but two toes on each foot. 

 It stands six to eight feet 

 high, and is the swiftest- 

 footed of all animals.* 

 It is chiefly remark- 

 able on account 

 of its beautiful 

 plumes, which 

 have been 



There are 



_-r 



Struth'lo came'lus. African Ostrich. 



prized as an adornment from the most ancient times. 



* The Ostrich will run thirty miles per nour. It is captured by the Arabs on 

 their fleet steeds, only after a chase of a day or two, by several relays of horses 

 and riders, and by pursuing in a straight line while the bird runs in a curve. 

 One male accompanies two to six females, who lay in one nest. The hens 



