THE CASSOWARY. 21 



plundering Arabs, have, on some occasions, given the alarm to 

 a whole caravan that was crossing the deserts. 



We have expatiated somewhat largely on the ostrich, as it has 

 been noticed from time immemorial, and is often mentioned by 

 authors both sacred and profane. In regard to the other birds 

 of the struthious order, we shall endeavour to describe them in 

 a manner more concise. 



THE CASSOWARY 



Is a bird not far inferior in size to the ostrich, being about 

 five feet and a half in height ; and although its neck be shorter, 

 its body is as bulky as that of the former ; its neck and legs 

 also, being thicker and stronger in proportion, this conforma- 

 tion gives it an air of strength and compactness ; while the 

 fierceness and singularity of its aspect conspire to give it a for- 

 midable appearance. 



The head of the cassowary, although smallj Y:ke that of the 

 ostrich, seems calculated to inspire some degree of terror, being 

 destitute of feathers, and almost wholly covered with a helmet 

 of a horny substance. To the peculiar singularity of this natural 

 armour, may be added the colour of the eye of this bird, which 

 is of a bright fiery yellow, and the globe being above an inch 

 and a half in diameter, gives it an air equally fierce and extraor- 

 dinary. The skin which covers the breast is callous, and with- 

 out feathers ; the thighs and legs are feathered, and exceedingly 

 strong and thick. 



This bird has been said to have the head of a warrior, the eye 

 of a lion, the armour of a porcupine, and the fleetness of a horse. 

 It seems, indeed, so perfectly formed for a life of hostility, both 

 offensive and defensive, for terrifying others, and protecting 

 itself, that the cassowary might, from its external appearance, be 

 thought one of the fiercest and most terrible beings of the crea- 

 tion : but although Nature has given it so terrific an aspect, and 

 such formidable weapons, its disposition is timid to excess. It 

 never attacks, and when assaulted, depends on its fleetness more 

 than its strength ; and it runs w r ith such amazing velocity, that 

 the swiftest race-horse would soon be left far behind. 



The same voraciousness which distinguishes the ostrich, pre- 

 vails equally in the cassowary. The eggs also of the latter, 

 although not so large as those of the former, are of a prodigious 

 size, measuring fifteen inches round the longest, and twelve the 

 shortest way : they are of an ash-colour, inclining to green 

 The Molucca islands, with those of Java, Sumatra, and Banda, 

 and the opposite parts of the continent, are the native country 

 of the cassowary ; nor has it ever yet been found in any other 

 part of the globe. 



