THE CASSOWARY. 103 



THE CASSOWARY. 



Haw large is the Cassowary ? 



The Cassowary, next to the Ostrich, is the largest 

 of all the birds. He is about five feet arid a half high 

 from the ground to his head. 



What is the shape of this bird ? 



His shape is similar to that of the Ostrich, but his 

 neck, and legs are not so long, and his body is larger 

 in proportion. His wings, like those of the Ostrich, 

 are so short, that he cannot rise from the ground. 



Where does this bird live ? 



This bird is found in the island of Java, and other 

 parts of the East Indies, 



What is the food of this bird ? 



The Cassowary, like the Ostrich, has a most vora- 

 cious appetite, arid is not at all particular in respect to 

 his food. He seems to be grateful for any thing that 

 is thrown him, whether it be leaden bullets, bits of 

 leather, stones, or pieces of glass, and will swallow 

 any of these substances, as though they were the best 

 of food. He however lives chiefly on nuts, grass, and 

 insects. 



How many toes has the Cassowary ? 



This bird has three toes on each foot, all of which 

 stand forward. 



What is the colour of this bird ? 



The colour of the Cassowary is dark yellowish 

 grey. The ends of the feathers are black, but towards 

 the roots they are yellowish white, so that the whole 

 appears yellowish grey. The head and neck are naked, 

 and of a blue colour. 



