276 THE REASON WHY: 



"At both these times they -were motherless and helplesse, 

 concernynge theyre owne strengthes; but were yet cared for 

 of God." BIBLK NOTES, 1551. 



extract the whole nourishment which that supply is capable 

 of rendering. 



877. Why does the hen ostricl continue to lay eggsj while 

 engaged in incubation ? 



Because she thus provides for her young brood a means of 

 subsistence which they would otharwise need. The eggs laid 

 during incubation are destined to nourish the brood ? 



8*R. Although as large as pullets when first hatched, the young ostriches are 

 then unable to digest the hard and acrid food on which the old ones subsist. The 

 eggs laid for this purpose are not deposited in the nest, but placed outside it, which 

 alone would be a proof of the use they are intended to serve. 



879. Why does the hen ostrich sometimes abandon her nest for 

 a long period ? 



Because the absence of moisture in the desert diminishes the 

 quantity of food which the bird can meet with : and this compels 

 her to take long journeys in order to preserve her life. 



880. Under such circumstances, she also actually requires more food ; for the 

 amount necessary to the healthy state of an animal increases with the increase, of 

 its labour. That this is the only reason why the ostrich should for a while abandon 

 her eggs, is made clear by the fact that where food is more plentiful i.e., in 

 districts better watered she takes a narrower range, and is less frequently absent 

 from the nest. Und^r the tropics, where vegetation abounds, she seldom, if ever, 

 quits it till the eggs are hatched. 



881. Why has the hen ostrich been cited as a type of the 

 neglectful mother ? 



Because of an apparent inclination to abandon her eggs to 

 chance^ by leaving them uncovered during some hours of 

 the day. 



882. This carelessness is, however, only apparent. During the heat of the 

 African day the vertical rays of the sun are sufficient to keep the eggs at a proper 

 temperature, and the mother takes that opportunity to procure food foi 

 herself. 



During such an ex;ursion she still hovers abou/! her nest, and if surprised! 

 mokes a short circuit, and returns to the object of ner care. 



