THE OSTRICH. 153 



The smallest, and most contemptible enemies of the 

 bewildered Owl, are now the most forward to torment 

 and injure him. They set up their loudest cries ; fly 

 at him ; flap him in the face with their wings ; and, 

 like all other cowards, make the greatest shew of cou- 

 rage, when there is the least danger. The unfortunate 

 Owl, not knowing where he is, or from what quarter 

 the next attack is to be made, and being equally una- 

 ble to escape, or defend himself, adopts the best plan 

 in his power, and that is, to sit still, and bear with stu- 

 pidity the insults, and evils, which he cannot avoid. 

 His little tormentors are, however, careful not to in- 

 dulge in their sports too long, for they know, that as 

 soon as the light is gone, their enemy will triumph in- 

 stead of themselves, and therefore before the sun is 

 fairly down, not one of them is seen, in the vicinity 

 of the Owl. 



THE OSTRICH. 



The Ostrich tribe presents only two species. In 

 both, the legs are long and naked ; the wings are short 

 and useless for flying ; the neck is long, and the bill 

 flat ; one species has two toes, and the other three, 

 and all of them placed forwards. Besides the Ostrich, 

 the Cassowary belongs to this tribe. They are the 

 largest birds known. 



14* 



