226 



ORNAMENTS OF THE VELD 



In parts of the Transvaal Bushveld, even in the Pretoria 

 District, wild ostriches arc si ill fairly cofnmon, and we have 

 seen small flocks, as well as nests full of eggs every year. 



It la}'S large straw-coloured eggs, the shell being pitted 

 with tiny pores. The nest is merely a depression hollowed 

 in the ground. 



Fig 125. — Albino Ostrich. 



During the year 1904, 470,381 lbs. of feathers valued at 

 £1,058,988 were exported. 



Several serious diseases have developed in the Ostrich and 

 its feathers ; these important matters are receiving the close 

 attention of Dr. Duerden. Professor of Zoology, Rhodes 

 University College, Grahamstown, to whose interesting 

 papers in the Cape Agricultural Journal and Proceedings of 

 the South African Association for Advancement of Science 

 we must direct the reader for full particulars. Dr. Duerden's 

 work is such as to earn the gratitude of all South Africa. 



