50 THE OSTRICH. 



Sometimes, however, he attempts to face his pur- 

 suers ; and, though in general the most gentle 

 animal in nature, when driven to desperation, he 

 defends himself with his beak, his wings, and his 

 feet. Such is the force of his motion, that a man 

 would be utterly unable to withstand him in the 

 shock. 



The Struthophagi have another method of 

 taking this bird : they cover themselves with an 

 ostrich's skin, and passing up an arm through the 

 neck, thus counterfeit all the motions of this ani- 

 mal. By this artifice they approach the ostrich, 

 which becomes an easy prey. He is sometimes 

 also taken by dogs and nets ; but the most usual 

 way is that mentioned above. 



When the Arabians have thus taken an ostrich, 

 they cut its throat, and making a ligature below 

 the opening, they shake the bird, as one would 

 rinse a barrel ; then taking off the ligature, there 

 runs out from the wound in the throat a consi- 

 derable quantity of blood, mixed with the fat of 

 the animal, and this is considered as one of the 

 greatest dainties. They next flay the bird ; and 

 of the skin, which is strong and thick, sometimes 

 make a kind of vest, which answers the purposes 

 of a cuirass and a buckler. 



There are others who, more compassionate or 

 more provident, do not kill their captive, but en- 

 deavour to tame it, for the purpose of supplying 

 those feathers which are in so great request. 

 The inhabitants of Dara and Libya breed uj> 

 whole flocks of them, and they are tamed with 

 very little trouble. But it is not for their feathers 



