28 NEORNITHES RATITAE CHAP. 
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 be under- 
stood that the speed is very great, exceeding that 
of a galloping horse; but, owing to its habit of 
running im a curve, it is generally possible to 
intercept the bird’s path at a distance from the 
point where it started. In motion the head is 
held forward, and 
the wings are out- 
spread, while both 
beak and feet are 
used as weapons 
of defence when 
capture 1s immi- 
nent, the latter 
delivering strong 
sideways kicks, 
which make close 
quarters very 
dangerous. Forty 
or fifty 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 
eock escorts a 
Fra. 8.—Ostrich. Struthio camelus. x 3}. nN 
flock of several 
hens, obtained by battle or allured by courting performances earlier 
in the 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 
