The Domesticated Ostricli in South Africa. 13 



defects. The problem, therefore, has resolved itself as 

 follows : — First, what are the conditions under which the 

 bars are produced ? Second, by what treatment can they be 

 eliminated ? The investigation of these two questions has 

 called for a complete study of the management of the Ostrich. 

 While the inquiry at first seemed very restricted, it is now 

 found to involve almost every phase of Ostrich treatment, 

 and in the course of the investigations a large number of 

 problems have arisen for solution. Study of these is at 

 present in progress, and it is claimed that a good deal of 

 definite information is being gained upon many uncertain 

 and obscure points in the bionomics of the Ostrich. 



Improvement of the Ostrich by Breeding. 



At an early stage in the domestication of an animal the 

 question 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 improve 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 breeders now proceed with greater knowledge 

 and assurance of results than ever before. Permanent 

 improvement in any stock is only possible through mating ; 

 any advancement achieved in the individual's life-time dies 

 with it. It implies the selection for breeding purposes of 

 those individuals 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 con- 

 trasts ; and in the feathers from almost 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 arc such that various strains of plumes are now 

 well recognized, depending upon such qualities as length, 

 breadth, density, shapeliness, and lustre, and it is with these, 



