STRUTHIONIDJ2. 255 



here be quoted as an interesting addendum to the foregoing 

 observations : 



"Ostriches are at all times more or less numerous on the 

 Naarip Plain, but more particularly so at this season, on account 

 of the Naras **** being now ripef * * * * ; and in a 

 part of the plain entirely destitute of vegetation we discovered 

 a male and female Ostrich with a brood of young ones about 

 the size of ordinary barn-door fowls. This was a sight we had 

 long been looking for, as Galton had been requested by Professor 

 Owen to procure a few craniums of the young of this bird in 

 order to settle certain anatomical questions; accordingly we 

 forthwith dismounted from our oxen and gave chase, which 

 proved of no ordinary interest. 



" The moment the parent birds became aware of our intention 

 they set off at full speed, the female leading the way, the young 

 following in her wake, and the cock, though at some little dis- 

 tance, bringing up the rear of the family party. It was very 

 touching to observe the anxiety the old birds evinced for the 

 safety of their progeny. Finding that we were quickly gaining 

 upon them, the male at once slackened his pace and diverged 

 somewhat from his course ; but seeing that we were not to be 

 diverted from our purpose, he again increased his speed, and 

 with wings drooping so as almost to touch the ground, he 

 hovered round us, now in wide circles and then decreasing the 

 circumference till he came almost within pistol-shot, when 

 he abruptly threw himself on the ground and struggled des- 

 perately to regain his legs, like a bird that has been badly 

 wounded : having previously fired at him, I really thought he 

 was disabled, and made quickly towards him ; but this was 

 only a ruse on his part ; for on my nearer approach he slowly 

 rose and began to run in an opposite direction to that of the 

 female, who, by this time, was considerably ahead with her 

 charge. 



" After about an hour's severe chase, we secured nine of 

 the brood ; and though it consisted of about double that num- 



t The fruit of a creeping desert plant, described by Mr. Andersson in his 

 work on Lake Ngami, p. 21. 



