614 AVES—OSTRICH. 
faster than a racehorse, there is no reason to believe they could hold out so 
long. 
From ancient writers we learn, that whole nations have acquired the name 
of Struthiophagi (ostrich-eaters) from the preference which they had manifest- 
ed for the flesh of this bird. Apicius has recommended a peculiar sauce for 
the ostrich, which shows at least that it was eaten among the Romans, and 
at a single feast the emperor Heliogabalus was served with the brains of siz 
hundred of these animals. Even at this period, some of the savage nations 
of Africa hunt them not only for their plumage, but for their flesh also, wh’ch 
they consider asa dainty. They scmetimes also breed these birds tame ..o eat 
the young ones, of which ine female is said to be the greatest delicacy. The 
skin of the ostrich is so thick, tiat it is used for leather by the Arabians; 
and of the eggs drinking cups are made. ‘The value of the plumage is well 
known in most countries of Europe. 
As the spoils of the ostrich are thus valuable, it is not to be wondered at 
that man has become their most assiduous pursuer. For this purpose, the 
Arabians train up their best and fleetest horses, and hunt the ostrich still in 
view. Perhaps, of all varieties of the chase, though the most laborious, it is yet 
the most entertaining. As soon as the hunter comes within sight of his prey, 
he puts his horse to a gentle gallop, so as to keep the ostrich stillin sight ; yet 
not so as to terrify him from the plain into the mountains. Upon observing 
himself, therefore, pursued at a distance, the bird begins to run at first, but 
gently, either insensible of his danger, or sure of escaping. In this situa- 
tion he somewhat resembles a man at full speed; his wings, like two arms, 
keep working with a motion correspondent to that of his legs; and his 
speed would very soon snatch him from the view of his pursuers, but, unfor- 
tunately for the silly creature, instead of going off ina direct line, he takes his 
course in circles; while the hunters still make a small course within, relieve 
each other, meet him at unexpected turns, and keep him thus still employed, 
still followed, for two or three days together. At last, spent with fatigue and 
famine, and finding all power of escape impossible, he endeavors to hide 
himself from those enemies he cannot avoid, and covers his head in the 
sand, or the first thicket he meets. Sometimes, however, he attempts to face 
his pursuers; and, though in general, the most gentle animal in nature, 
when driven to desperation, he defends himself with his beak his wings, 
and his feet. Such is the force of his motion, that a man wou. be utterly 
unable to withstand him in the shock. 
The Struthiophagi had another mode of capturing these animals. They 
disguised themselves in the skin of an ostrich, and putting one of their arms 
through the neck, they imitated all its motions. By this means they are 
said to have enabled themselves to approach and take them at pleasure. In 
the same manner the savages of America disguise themselves as a roebuck, 
in order to surprise that animal. 
