ORDER CURSORES ; EMEU. 



489 



of New Holland, and of the neighbouring islands, is nearly 

 allied to the Cassowary ; but differs from it in the form of the 



FIG. 278. EMEU. 



bill, and has no helmet. It nearly equals the Ostrich in bulk ; 

 but is lower on the legs, shorter in the neck, and more thick-set 

 in the body. In its native regions, it is said to stand six or 

 seven feet high, when its head is fully elevated. The wings are 

 mere rudiments, destitute of plumes, and hidden beneath the 

 feathers of the body ; the cheeks and throat are nearly naked. 

 The feathers bear a strong resemblance to branching hairs ; the 

 laminae of the vanes being placed at a distance from each other. 

 Two stems arise from each root ; one of these may be regarded 

 as an increased development of the accessory plume, a sort of 

 little tuft which grows at the base of ordinary feathers. The 

 Emeu feeds upon leaves, fruits, and herbage ; for the plucking of 

 which, its strong straight beak, rounded at the point, is well 

 adapted. It is a timid and peaceful bird, trusting to its speed 

 for safety, except when hard-pressed ; it then strikes violently 

 with its legs. The flesh of the young is extremely delicate ; but 



