300 



CASSELLS BOOK OF BIRDS, 



The EMUS {Dromtriis), a group of strange and interesting birds inhabiting Australia, form as 

 it were tlie connecting hnk between the Ostricli and the Cassowary, nearly resembling the former in 

 their general appearance, but differing from it in the comparative shortness of their legs and neck, 

 and the less prominent development of the hinder parts of the body. The beak is straight, 

 compressed at its sides, round at its extremity, and furnished with a ridge at its culmen ; the large 





THE EMU {Dromaus Novcs Hollandia), 



nostrils are covered with a skin and situated in the centre of the bill. The wings and tail are but 

 slightly developed, the strong legs are covered with scales, and the foot furnished with three toes 

 armed with powerful claws. At a distance the plumage somewhat resembles hair, the webs of tlie 

 feathers being all loose and separate ; as is tlie case with the Ostrich, they take their origin by pairs 

 from the same shaft. The wings are clothed with feathers exactly resembling those of the back, 

 which divide from a middle line and fall gracefully over on either side. The entire plumage is of 

 a dull brown, mottled with dirty grey ; the feathers on the head and neck becoming gradually shorter, 



