CHAPTER V 



FEATHEBED ATHLETES 



See the , . , bird, who wildly springs. 

 With a keen sparkle in his glowing eye 



And a strong effort in his quivering wings. 

 Up to the blue vault of the happy sky. 



— Norton. 



A MONG birds, as in the human world, we 

 -^^^ find many different forms of athletics. 

 There are games, sports, and various competitive 

 feats of strength, involving skill and endurance. 

 The conditions of their environment largely de- 

 termine the nature of their athletics. Some birds 

 are all-round athletes and can perform numerous 

 feats with equal skill, while others have but one 

 specialty. 



The competitive sports between individuals of 

 the ostrich family is most interesting. With their 

 powerful legs they are able to race as no other bird 

 can. They are the race horses of the feathered 

 kingdom. At an early age, the young ostrich is 

 taught to run races — a practice which prepares him 

 for what he needs later in life in the way of self- 



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