OSTRICH 137 



has been domesticated and farmed like cattle, its feathers 

 forming a lucrative article of commerce. In some por- 

 tions of the Transvaal, Rhodesia, Bechuanaland and 

 Portuguese East Africa troops of wild birds still exist, 

 and it is to be hoped that steps will be taken to preserve 

 these as much as possible. 



It lays large straw-coloured eggs, the shell being pitted 

 with tiny pores. 



During the year 1904, 470381 Ibs. of feathers, valued 

 at ^61,058,988, were exported from Cape Colony. 



Several serious diseases have been developed in the 

 Ostrich and its feathers ; these important matters are 

 receiving the close attention of Dr. Duerden, Professor 

 of Zoology, Ehodes University College, Grahamstown, 

 to whose interesting papers in the Cape Agricultural 

 Journal, and Proceedings of the South African Associa- 

 tion for Advancement of Science we must direct the 

 reader for full particulars. Dr. Duerden's work is such 

 as to earn the gratitude of all South Africa. 



