8 Presidential Address : 



It is found that birds thrive best, are freest from diseases, 

 and give the strongest and richest feathers when subjected to 

 a variety of conditions, such as was possible in their free, 

 wild state. The combination of lucerne or rape pasturage 

 and natural veld, now generally adopted, unquestionably gives 

 the best results. Variety of food and conditions is one of 

 the great secrets of successful Ostrich-farming, but there is 

 still much to be learnt and many improvements to be made 

 before the management of the bird can be said to have 

 reached the highest success. For Ostrich-farming to be 

 worthy of the name, the birds will have to be kept under 

 effectual control, not left to wander unnoticed for months on 

 the open veld ; the farms will have to be divided more and 

 more by fencing, so that the flocks can be kept under closer 

 observation, and better account taken of their condition. 

 The industry is becoming more intensive year by year, and 

 it is encouraging to record that the majority of the farmers 

 are endeavouring to keep pace with its progress. Whatever 

 other advantage may have come from the high price of 

 feathers, one of the chief benefits to the Colony has been the 

 stimulation and opportunity it has given towards developing 

 the best there is in both the farmer and his land. 



y^alue of Feathers. 

 The Ostrich is farmed solely for the feathers which it pro- 

 duces ; there is no other use to which any part of the bird is 

 applied. From their gracefulness and delicacy when curled 

 ostrich-plumes are peculiarly suitable objects for personal 

 adornment, and in one form or another seem to be always in 

 fashion's demand. Last year (1907) their export value from 

 Cape Colony reached nearly £2,000,000 (£1,819,606). This, 

 combined with the smaller quantity of feathers produced in 

 other countries, will represent approximately the enormous 

 sum of £5,000,000 per annum piid to the retailers of Ostrich 

 feathers, when the latter have been finished and manu- 

 factured ready for wear. At present very high prices are 

 o-iven to the farmer for superior feathers, and even the poorer 



