STRUTHIONIDJ':. 



413 



SUB-FAMILY I. 

 Struthioxix^. The true Ostriches. 



Gen. Chaeac— Bill broad, depressed and rounded in front ; the toes two or 

 three in number, and all placed anteriorly. 



Fig. Ifio.— the ostrich 

 (Strut kio Cam el us.) 



This giant of the race is distinguished from all other 

 birds by the stiiicture of its feet, which have only two 

 toes, of which the outer one is considerably shorter than 

 the inner. Over the boundless African desert the Ostrich 

 roams in flocks, trusting, like the antelopes, to swiftness 

 of foot for security from animals of prey or the pursuit 

 of man. So rapid is its course, indeed, that the swiftest 

 horse is unable to keep up with it. 



