xiv PIGS, CATTLE, OSTRICHES 145 



blocks of white quartz about the size of a cricket ball, 

 but the more angular the better, broken china plates, 

 glass bottles, lids of jam tins, door hinges, etc. It 

 may be as well to dispel any illusion that may be 

 entertained by the ignorant in England that ostriches 

 are bred and kept in this country on account of the 

 marketable value of their feathers. This is far from 

 being the case. They are farmed and fattened in 

 large quantities solely and entirely as food for lions. 

 Indeed were it not for the truly altruistic spirit of the 

 egg-catching company of ostrich farmers in the 

 Protectorate, who are here to spend money and not to 

 make it, it would, I think, be quite safe to say that 

 this happily numerous species of giant cat would have 

 long ere this become extinct." 



This bitter and sarcastic lament was, I imagine, 

 induced partly by recent losses and partly by a 

 deranged liver. 



