go HOME LIFE ON AN OSTRICH FARM. 



long debarred from any more satisfactory bath than a 

 washing-basin, has walked down, with the air of an 

 explorer, to this new lake he has just discovered; and 

 is croaking softly and contentedly to himself as he 

 splashes the bright drops again and again over his 

 dusty black plumage. He does not like Toto ; indeed, 

 there is a mutual jealousy between these two favoured 

 pets of ours, and they are always rather glad of an 

 excuse for a good row, such as now ensues. 



When the commotion has subsided, and Toto is at a 

 safe distance from the dam, a troop of ostriches come 

 down to drink. They are no doubt delighted to find 

 such an abundant supply of water, after the somewhat 

 scanty allowance which has been portioned out to them 

 of late ; and they stand greedily scooping up large 

 quantities with their broad bills ; then assuming comical 

 attitudes as they stretch out their distended necks to 

 allow the fluid to run down. In the distance, about a 

 dozen other ostriches are spreading their white wings 

 and waltzing along magnificently a pretty way of 

 expressing their satisfaction at this new and delightful 

 change in their circumstances. But it is sometimes ail 

 expensive amusement ; and we feel relieved when all 

 have settled down, with unbroken legs, into a more 

 sober mood. 



The fowls alone do not participate in the general 

 rejoicing ; their house was even less water-tight than 

 our room, and they all seem to have caught cold, and 

 look draggled and miserable. Two poor sitting-hens 

 have been washed out of their nests in the kraal hedge ; 



