THE OSTRICH. 



Male and female Ostrich. 



Negro, riding an Ostrich. 



The Ostrich is (he largest bird as yet known to exist, its height being from six to eight feet. It is an 

 inhabitant of Africa, ami from thence the elegant plumes are brought. These plumes are mostly obtained 

 from the wings of the bird, and not from the tail as is generally imagined. 



An immense number of eggs are laid by the Ostriches in one spot, several birds belonging to each nest.. 

 The eggs are very large and strong, and are in general use by the Bosjesmans for holding water. By 

 means of these eggs, which they bury at intervals in the" sand, after filling them with water, they are 

 enabled to make inroads across the desert and retreat with security, as none can follow them for want of 

 water. Each egg holds rather more than five pints. An excellent omelet is made by the natives, by 

 burying the fresh egg in hot ashes, and stirring round the contents with a stick through a hole in the upper 

 end, until thoroughly cooked. 



The principal strength of the Ostrich tribe lies in the legs. These limbs are so powerful that a swift 

 horse has great difficulty in overtaking the bird. As the Ostrich mostly runs iiP-large curves, the hunters 

 cut across and intercept the bird, which would in all probability escape if followed in its exact course. In 

 running it is aided by its wings, which, however, are too short and weak to raise it from the ground. 



The Ostrich is easily tamed. Many of our readers have doubtless seen the tame Ostriches at the Hip- 

 podrome, who ran races bearing riders on their backs, and really seemed to enjoy the sport as much as any 

 of the spectators. 



The food of the Ostrich is vegetable, and it swallows many stones, &c, to assist it in grinding its food. 

 When in confinement it picks up any tfcing, glass, nails, &c, from the effects of which it some times dies. 



Captain Cunnning remarks a fact not generally known, viz. the care the Ostrich takes of its young. It 

 lias generally been supposed that after the eggs are laid, the female leaves them to be hatched in the sun, 

 and takes no more care for them. The following anecdote would do honor to the far-famed Lapwing. "I 

 fell in with a troop of aliout twelve young Ostriches, which were not much larger than Guinea Fowls. I 

 was amused to sec the mother endeavor to lead us away, exactly like a wild Duck, spreading out and 

 drooping her wings, and throwing herself down on the ground before us, as if wounded, while the cock bird 

 cunnindy led the brood a way in an opposite direction." 

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