446 



RUNNING BIRDS. 



upon her eggs, and defends her progeny coui'ageously. No animal 

 can beat the Ostrich in running. 



The American or Ehoea Ostrich is only half the size of the 

 African bird, and has three toes, all furnished with claws. The 

 plumage is of little value. 



Fig. 373. — African ostrich. 



The Cassowary ( Casuarius) has wings still shorter than those of 

 the Ostrich, and quite useless even in lomning. Their feet have 

 three toes, all provided with nails; their feathers almost resem- 

 ble the hairs of a horse's mane. But two species are known, one 

 having its head surmounted by a bony helmet, the other unpro- 

 vided with such a covering. In running, they can outstrip the 

 swiftest greyhound. 



