224 



ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD 



is very bold in defending its eggs. These may be searched 

 tot during the months of August to October, and do not 

 differ very much from those of the Crowned Lapwing. 



FlG. 123.- — Black-winged Plover and eggs. 



OSTRICH 



The last bird which may be included in this chapter is the 

 well-known and long domesticated ostrich (Struthio australis). 

 This enormous member of the Avian race is included in a 

 separate sub-class, the Katitse, possessing no keel to the 

 sternum or breast bone. The Ostriches form the Family 

 Struthionidse, of which the African Continent possesses 

 several species. 



In the old " voortrekker " and pioneer days, the Ostrich 

 roamed over the veld in a perfectly wild state, in company 

 with the Gnus and Antelopes, but since about 1870 has been 



