THE CASSOWARY. THE EMU. 



Cassowaries. 



The Cassowary is a native of the eastern parts of Asia. Like the Ostrich, it cannot fly, but runs with 

 great swiftness, and if attacked by dogs, kicks with extreme force and rapidity. The feathers of this bird 

 are remarkable for being composed of two long, thread-like feathers, sprouting from the same root. The 

 wing feathers are round, black, and strong, and resemble the quills of the porcupine. At the end of the 

 last joint of the wing is a sort of claw or spur. 



The Emu is a native of New Holland, and nearly equals the Ostrich in bulk, its height being between 

 five and six feet. Its feathers lie loosely on the body, and its wings are small and hardly to be distin- 

 guished. The skin of the Emu furnishes a bright and clear oil, on which account it is eagerly sought afte* 



In its manners the Emu bears a close resemblance to 



the Ostrich. Its food appears to be wholly vegetable, 



consisting chiefly of fruits, roots and herbage, and it is 



consequently, notwithstanding its great strength, per- 

 fectly inoffensive. 



The voice of the Emu is a kind of low booming 



sound. The eggs are six or seven in number, of a 



dark green color, and are much esteemed by the natives 



as food. When the natives take an Emu, they break 



its wings, a curious custom, of no perceptible utility. 



Young men and boys are not permitted to eat the flesh 



of this bird. Its flesh has been compared to coarse 



beef, which it resembles both in appearance and taste. 



ljustard 



f26-n 



Emu 



