THE OSTRICH. 161 



and that she does not try to escape to the mountains, 

 when chased by the horse and his rider. The same 

 character, in part, is given her in Lamentations, 

 where it is said, " The daughter of my people is be- 

 come cruel, like the Ostrich of the wilderness." 



We may consider it a singular circumstance, that 

 an animal, which is by nature so cruel and unfeeling 

 as to forsake her eggs, and to leave her young when 

 they are unable to take care of themselves, should be 

 preserved in existence. Why do not the whole race 

 perish ? Even with the greatest care, both of the 

 eggs, and of the young, it is difficult to see how these 

 creatures live, since they inhabit the deserts, which 

 are so dry and barren, that any other animal, if left 

 there by accident, would soon perish of hunger and 

 thirst. In this, we may behold the wisdom and power 

 of the Creator. It is he who made the Ostrish, that 

 hath fitted her for the place in which she dwells, and 

 has given her the means of providing for her wants, in 

 places where other animals would perish. And is 

 there not every reason to believe, that He, who careth 

 for the Ostrich in the desert, and feedeth her young, 

 when forsaken, will more especially regard the peti- 

 tions of children, who humbly ask his blessing for 

 themselves and their parents ? 



The character of the Ostrich seems to be made up, 

 chiefly of pride and foolishness. It is so proud of its 

 long neck and fluttering wings, as to admire, even its 

 own shadow ; and it is so foolish, that when pursued 

 by the hunter, it does not run a straight course, and 

 thus escape, but continues going round in a circle, un- 

 til it is tired down and taken. Thus we see, that in 

 15 



