362 



THE STORY OF THE OSTRICH. 



not go in a direct line, but runs either in a large circle or first to one side 

 and then to the other; this its pursuers take advantage of, and, by rushing 

 directly onward, save much ground. In a few days, at most, the strength 

 of the animal is exhausted, and it then either turns on the hunters and fights 

 with the fury of despair, or hides its head, and tamely receives its fate. 



I can attest to the development of the maternal instinct, which many 

 naturalists deny. I once fell in with a troop of about twelve young ostriches 





HOW SOUTH AMERICAN OSTRICHES ARE HUNTED. 



which were not much larger than guinea-fowls. I was amused to see the 

 motlier 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 cunningly led the brood away in an 

 opposite direction. 



The ostrich Q.gg will weigh on the average about three pounds, being 

 equal to two dozen ordinary fowl's eggs; yet one of them is not thought too 



