28 



NEORNITHES RATITAE 



to avoid detection is of course devoid of foundation, this species is 

 timid and wild in its native haunts, and being keen-sighted as 

 well as wary, gives an impression of great restlessness. From 

 the fact that a single stride is said to cover 

 twenty-five feet or more, it will readily he under- 

 stood that the speed is very great, exceeding that 

 of a galloping horse ; but, owing to its habit of 

 running in a curve, it is generally possible to 

 intercept the bird's path at a distance from the 

 point where it started. In motion tlie head is 



held forward, and 

 the wings are out- 

 spread, while both 

 lieak and feet are 

 used as weapons 

 of defence when 

 capture is imnd- 

 nent, the latter 

 delivering strong 

 sideways kicks, 

 which make close 

 quarters very 

 dangerous. Forty 

 or iifty indi- 

 viduals may at 

 times be seen in 

 company ; the 

 usual parties, 

 however, consist 

 of five or six at 

 most, especially 

 during the breed- 

 ing season, when 

 the polygamous 

 cock escorts a 

 flock of several 

 hens, obtained by battle or allured hj courting performances earlier 

 in tlie season. A liking for the companionship of zebras, hartebeests 

 and other antelopes, has been noticed by various observers. The cry 

 is said to be hoarse and mournful, resembling the roar of a lion or 



Ym. 8. — Ostrich. Struthio camelus. 



