I5IUDS STRUTHIONES BIRDS DIAGRAM 4. 



ORDER OP STRUTHIONBS BIRDS. 

 The Ostrich is the largest known bird ; it is about six feethigli, and 



Ostrich. Foot of Ostrich. 



its body is as large as that of a horse. The ostrich inhabits the 

 deserts of Africa ; it cannot fly, but runs with very great swiftness. 

 Its eggs are larger than the head of a child, and of a fine yellow 

 colour ; the shell is very hard. It lays them in the sand, and the 

 heat of the sun is sufficient to hatch them. The ostrich is hunted 

 for the beautiful feathers in its wings and tail. There is a very 

 large trade in them. 



The RJiea of South America, the Emeu of Australia, the Casoar } 

 the Moa, and the very curious bird, Apteryx, of New Zealand, belong 

 also to this order. 



