186* THE OSTRICH. 



has two very large toes, one of* which is near seven, 

 and the other four inches in length. 



The ostrich is a native of the torrid regions of Africa, 

 and was never known to breed out of that clime. It pre- 

 fers the most solitary and unfrequented places, where 

 barrenness and sterility jointly reign. The Arabians 

 assert that it never drinks, but its appetite is more in- 

 ordinate than can possibly be conceived ; it will vora- 

 ciously devour leather, glass, iron, stones, tin, lead, 

 and cord ; in short, their stomachs arc hilled witli such 

 an assemblage of incongruous substances, that it is 

 astonishing to think how they are contained. 



The ostrich has been represented as wanting natural 

 affection; but this is an accusation unfounded and un- 

 true; for, so far from leaving its eggs to be nurtured 

 by the sun, it is never absent from them for any length 

 of time ; but in a country where the heat is so pene- 

 trating, there is no necessity for. the female remaining 

 constantly upon her nest ; and it has been authentically 

 proved, that the male ostrich alternately participates 

 in this tender care. For several days after the young 

 ones are hatched, they are neither able to stand or 

 walk, and during that period the old ones watch them 

 with a mixture of solicitude and delight, constantly 

 supplying them with that kind of food which instinct 

 teaches them is most proper for their age. The eggs 

 of this bird resemble those of the crocodile, and gene- 

 rally weigh near fifteen pounds. 



Though some nations hunt the ostrich for its flesh, 

 yet it is by no means a pleasant or delicate food ; and 

 the Scriptures particularly express that it should not 

 be eaten in any shape. The Romans, however, paid 

 no attention to their authority, for we are told that 

 Heiiogabulus had six hundred killed, #nd their.brains 



