34-2 VERTEBRATA. AVES. 



tive of its habit in the burning sands of the north ; 

 while in the more temperate regions of the Cape, the 

 office of sitting upon the eggs is regularly performed 

 by both sexes. The flesh is coarse and tough, though 

 eatable, and rather well-tasted. They live in flocks, 

 and are the common associates of the Zebras and 

 Antelopes of the south. 



The American Ostrich (S. Rhea) has much of the 

 manners of the preceding, but is considerably smaller, 

 more thinly feathered, and has three toes. It is 

 common in the southern parts of South America. 



Dromaius,* the Emu. 



This gigantic bird is second only to the African 

 Ostrich in size, which it represents on the Australian 

 continent, attaining a stature of more than seven 

 feet. It is distinguished from that bird by the total 

 absence of plumes to the wings and tail, and by the 

 still further diminished size of the wings, which are 

 now so reduced as to be useless even for running, 

 and to be invisible when closed ; the long, hair-like 

 feathers of the body, which, dividing on the back, 

 fall gracefully down each side, effectually covering 

 them. 



The Emu (D. Novce Hollandi&) is coursed with 

 dogs, and is said to afford good sport. If the dogs 

 be inexperienced, however, they are liable to injury, 

 by being kicked with its powerful foot, with which it 

 is said to be able even to break the bone of a man' 8 



x;, dramas, a runner. 



