236 BACKBONED ANIMALS. 



by the hen. During this time they are extremely fierce. 

 They readily take to the water and swim well. The 

 young differ in color from the parents. 



The Emeu (Dromaius Nov<z Hollandia} is an allied 

 form from Australia, its feathers resembling a mat of 

 long black hair. The wings are rudimentary, the nos- 

 trils are not far from the tip of the upper mandible, and 

 the three toes are of equal length. They attain a height 

 of seven feet. As with the rhea, the male attends to the 

 eggs. The young at first have a protective marking of 

 black stripes upon a white ground. 



The Cassowary (Casnarius galeatus), found in the 

 Island of Ceram and in the Indian Archipelago, also has 

 three toes, but of unequal length, and attains a height 

 of five feet or more. The body is covered with long, 

 black, hair-like feathers, the wings being represented by 

 five stiff, cylindrical shafts, that are often used as a de- 

 fense. The nostrils are placed near the middle of the 

 upper mandible, and the head is ornamented by a large, 

 horny helmet. The eggs are protected by their grayish- 

 green color. 



The Ostrich (Struthio camelus] * is the largest living 

 bird, attaining a" height of eight feet. It is found in the 

 deserts of Africa and Arabia. The legs are extremely 



* The general color is black and gray, the tail and wing feath- 

 ers being of great size and beauty. The nest is a mere hollow in the 

 sand, in which the eggs, about thirty, are laid, each one equaling 

 about two dozen hen's eggs, and weighing about three pounds each ; in 

 the day-time being kept warm by the sun, and at night covered by 

 the male. The eggs upon the outer row' are often eaten by the old 

 and young birds. Their speed is greater than that of the fleetest 

 horse. In running, the wings are spread out (Fig. 277), and per- 

 haps used as sails. Their legs are also their protection in close quar- 

 ters. Edward Verrcaux, the French naturalist, saw a native instantly 

 killed by a kick from one. Their food consists of herbage of all 

 kinds, while stones and various strange articles are swallowed to aid 

 digestion. 



