74 A WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE. 



But the price (from ten to fifty dollars a pound) is enough to spur the native 

 of Damara or Bechuana to his utmost to procure them. 



March and April is the principal feather season, the birds having then recovered 

 from their moult, while their plumage is vigorous and elastic. In order to preserve 

 their value, they are plucked from the ostrich, immediately after it is brought down 

 by the artifice already described, and while the body is still warm. 



Despite the speed of the bird, it is so worn out and spiritless on the approach 

 of the rainy season that a single horseman can easily ride it down. Its energy is 

 insufficient for it to fight, and it often stands still until brained by the native's 

 shambok or knobby stick. 



The rhea, or American ostrich, is a native of South America. Three species are 

 known, and the male is sometimes kind enough to arrange the eggs and perform 

 the whole duties of incubation. Their favorite home is along the La Plata River, 

 where they are generally seen in pairs, though sometimes associating in flocks. 

 They are timid and fleet-footed, but, when hunted, show little more intelligence than 

 their African relatives, running aimlessly in different directions until the natives 

 bring them down with their "bolas," which consist of a cord with a ball at the end, 

 which is thrown at the bird, and coils around its neck and legs, so that it stumbles 

 to the ground. 



