OSTRICHES. 



35 



But such prizes are not to be obtained without cost and toil, and it is generally esti- 

 mated that the capture of an ostrich or two nuisl be at the sacrifice of the lives of two 

 horses. So wary is the bird, and so open are the vast plains over which it roams, that 



Fig. 17. — Struthio camtlus, African ostrich. 



no ambuscades or artifices can be employed, and the vult;ar resource of dogged perse- 

 verance is the only mode of pursuit. Tlie horses to be emjiloyed undergo a long and 

 painful training, abstinence fi-om water and a diet of diy dates being considered the 

 best means for strengthening their wind. The huntei-s set forth with small skins of 



