THE AMERICAN OSTRICH, 361 
when they had distinguished themselves by any glorious deed. At 
the present day there is a large demand for them. The plumes of 
the male bird are more highly valued than those of the female; and 
all are superior when plucked from the living bird. 
Several Libyan nations in former days used the skin of the 
Ostrich for a cuirass, and even at the present time some Arabian 
tribes apply it to the same purpose. The shells of ostrich eggs, 
which are very hard, are also utilised ; they are made into beautiful 
cups, which much resemble vases of ivory. ‘The Africans annually 
destroy a large number of these birds; yet their race does not 
appear to diminish. It is a most useful creature, and too much 
encouragement cannot be given to the trials which have been 
made in Algeria and elsewhere to rear the Ostrich in flocks on an 
extensive scale. 
The Rhea or American Ostrich (/?hea americana, Fig. 144), 
bears the greatest resemblance to the Ostrich, of which it is the 
representative in the New World; but it is only about half the 
size of the African bird, and has three toes in front instead of two. 
The colour of its plumage is a uniform grey. 
This Bird (called by the Brazilians Vhandu-Guacu) inhabits the 
Pampas of South America, the coolest valleys in Brazil, Chili, Peru, 
and Magellan’s Land. ‘lhere they may be seen wandering over 
the open plains in flocks of about thirty, in company. with herds 
of oxen, horses, and sheep. They browse on the grass like cattle, 
at the same time searching for various seeds. ‘They run nearly as 
swiftly as the Ostrich, so are well able, by speed, to escape the 
pursuit of their enemies. If a river interrupts their course, they 
do not hesitate to plunge into it, as they are excellent swimmers ; in- 
deed, so fond are they of water that they take pleasure in splashing 
and bathing in it. 
The Rhea lays its eggs and incubates them in the same manner 
as the Ostrich. They are birds of a gentle nature, aud are tamed 
with the greatest ease, becoming very familiar in the house, visiting 
the various apartments, wandering about the streets, and even into 
the country ; but they always return to their homes before sunset. 
The flesh of the adult is by no means agreeable ; that of the 
young, on the contrary, is tender and sweet. Its skin, when properly 
dressed, is used for bags, purses, &c., and their feathers serve for 
plumes and light dusting-brooms. We owe a knowledge of a second 
species of Rhea to Mr. Darwin, who has given a figure and ample 
descriptions of the bird and its habits in “The Voyage of the 
Beagle ;” it has been named in consequence Rhea Darwinit. There 
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