154 OSTRICH FARMING IN SOUTH AFRICA. 



fectly sound, in every way the same as in the case of the 

 Strono'vlus Douoflassii, which will be described in the 

 next chapter. 



Although our experiments with areca nut have not 

 been satisfactory, we should like to see it further tested 

 in conjunction with other vermifuges, because it acts as a 

 strong purgative, and in the short time of two hours 

 after being given. Although quarter-ounce doses given 

 to some four months' old chicks made them drunk, 

 and purged them, it was quickly over without any 

 permanent ill effects ; and as an experiment we gave 

 half-ounce doses to two five months' chicks with the 

 same results. Now, had the same amount of drunken- 

 ness been set up with male fern, a large number of 

 the birds would have been killed, and the others 

 seriously weakened ; whilst with the nut, about three 

 hours saw the effect worked off, and the birds were far 

 brisker than before the dosing. This makes us think it 

 may yet prove a valuable vermifuge for Ostriches, but 

 it must be given in conjunction with something else ; as, 

 in the cases here quoted, and where it would appear as 

 much as was safe was given, all the birds were not 

 cured. 



