BUS1ARDS. 



the s&nd, but beyond the 

 tropics the female sits upon 

 her eggs, and defends her 

 progeny courageously. No 

 animal can beat the ostrich 

 in running. 



The American or 

 Rhea Ostrich is only 

 half the size of the African 

 bird, and has three toeb, all 

 furnished with claws. The 

 plumage is of little value. 



The Cassowary 



(Casuarius) has wings much 

 shorter than those of the 

 ostrich, and quite useless even 

 in running. Their feet have 

 three toes, all provided with 

 r.ails ; their feathers almost 

 resemble the hairs of a horse's 

 mane. But two species are 

 known, one having its head 

 surmounted by abony helmet, 

 the other unprovided with 

 such a covering. In running 

 they can outstrip the swiftest 

 greyhound. 



The Bustards (Otis). 

 This fine bird is almost 

 extirpated, though it is 

 still seen in wide open plains. The last recorded to have been killed in Eng- 



FIG. 374. GREAT BUSTARD. 



375- Ai'TERVX 



