176 Crossing the North and South African Ostrich 



three separate breeding sets and may represent some slight selective 

 influence compared with the mixed importation. 



TABLE Y. 



First- row Plumes on North African Ostrich Chicks reared at Grootfontein. 



South African Ostriches. In order to ascertain the number of plumes 

 on the South African ostrich for comparison with the North African 

 recourse has been had to the troops on various ostrich farms. Included 

 among them are representatives from the best and most widely known 

 ostrich strains of South Africa. It is only necessary to give the detailed 

 countings of one series of 48 birds as an example, the average for the 

 others agreeing closely. As much interchange of birds and chicks has 

 taken place since ostrich farming commenced it is most unlikely that 

 any additions to the series will vary from the averages here given. 



Farmers^ Series. No. 4. 



