NATURAL HISTORY. 



333 



CASUARIUS. 



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Casoar, the Cassoivary. 



The CASSOWARY is a native of the eastern parts of Asia. 

 Like the ostrich, it cannot fly, but runs with great swiftness, 

 and if attacked by dogs kicks with extreme force and rapidity. 

 The feathers of this bird are remarkable for being composed 

 of two long, thread-like feathers, sprouting from the same root. 

 The wing feathers are round, black, and strong, and resemble 

 the quills of the porcupine. At the end of the last joint of the 

 wing is a sort of claw or spur. 



The food of the bird consists of vegetable substances, and it 

 will frequently sw r allow a tolerably large apple entire, trusting 

 to the pebbles, &c. hi its stomach to bruise it. 



