342 



ELEMENTARY ZOOLOGY 



ostriches (Struthio camelus) (fig. 135) live in Africa. They 

 are the largest living birds, reaching a height of nearly 

 seven feet and weighing as much as two hundred pounds. 

 They are hunted for their feathers, and are now kept in 

 captivity and bred in South Africa and California for 

 the same purpose. About five million dollars' worth of 



FlG. 135. Ostriches on ostrich farm at Pasadena, California. (Photo- 

 graph from life.) 



ostrich-feathers are used each year. The eggs, which are 

 from five to six inches long and nearly five inches thick, 

 are laid in shallow hollows scooped out in the sand of the 

 desert. The male undertakes most of the incubation, 

 although when the sun is hot no brooding is necessary. 



