The Domestic vtkd Ostrich in South Africa. 159 



The bar is formed at an early stage in the growth of the feather, 

 even while the part of the feather is still within the socket. Some- 

 times it can be seen that a bar corresponds with each day's feather 

 growth, and this fact thn>ws considerable light ui)oii the subject. But 

 what the farmer wishes to know is under what conditions the defects 

 will or will not be produced, and it is towards the determining of these 

 practical conditions that the experiments are being directed. In one 

 notable expeiimeiit it was shown that exposure of a bird to two days' 

 inclement weather, while its feathers were at an early stage of their 

 formation, sufficed to produce a very conspicuous bar on every growing 

 feathei-. Such instances are, however, probably rare, and many other 

 causes are at work. It is almost invariably found that a bird in a 

 weak condition of health will have its feathers growing during the 

 period freely barred (hence the term " poverty " bar), and a similar result 

 often follows in a bird subjected to a change of conditions. Anything, 

 in fact, which interferes with the regular ph3^siological activity of the 

 animal may re\ eal itself by feather defects. 



The problem, therefore, resolves itself as follows : First, what are 

 the conditions unfler which the bai's are produced ; second, by what 

 treatment can they be eliminated i The investigation of these two 

 questions has called for a complete study of the management of the 

 ostrich. AVhile the inquiry at first seemed very restricted, it is now 

 found to involve almost eveiy phase of ostrich treatment. In the 

 course of the investigations a large number of related problems have 

 arisen for solution. Studies upon these are at present in progress, and 

 it is claimed that some definite information is being gained upon many 

 uncertain and obscure points in ostrich management. 



Impkovkment of the Ostrich by Breeding. 



At an earh' stage in the domestication of an animal the (luestion 

 arises whether any improvement can be made in its qualities. The 

 characteristics with which nature endows a creature may be good, but 

 we soon desire to iuiprove upon them, or adapt them more fully to our 

 needs. Fortunately within the last few years science has thrown a 

 good deal of light upon the processes by which animals are and can be 

 modified, and we now proceed with greater knowledge and assurance 

 of results than ever before. 



Permanent improvement in any stock is only possible through 

 mating ; any improvement achieved in the individual's lifetime dies 

 with it. It implies the selection for breeding purposes of those in- 

 dividuals having the most desirable qualities, or which by their union 

 will give rise to such in their offspring. 



At first sight there might seem to be no important differences 

 among ostriches which would supply material for selective breeding, 

 but a short experience reveals great contrasts, and in the feathers 

 from any two birds an expert can see marked differences in the many 

 points according to which a feather is judged, just as one can among 

 the many qualities of a horse, ox, sheep or dog. The differences are 



