66 



ELEMENTS OP OBNITHOLOGT. 



in South America by a smaller Bird, which is called the Ehea 

 or American Ostrich (Rhea americana), of which there are really 

 three species. Another large and bulky Bird, quite incapable 

 of flight, is the Cassowary (Casuarius galeatus) of the Papuan 

 Islands and North Australia. There are nine species of this 

 genus. Another very similar Bird is the Emeu (Dromceus novce- 

 hollandice) of Australia. There are two species of this genus. 



Before proceeding further it may be useful to the student 

 to take stock a little of the forms we have referred to, and 



Fig. 68. 



The Cassowary (Casuarius galeatm). 



endeavour briefly to class them in a merely popular manner, 

 referring to external appearance, or modes of life, only. It is 

 useful for the beginner to be able to think of them in large 

 groups (such as the groups which first suggested them- 

 selves to naturalists), even though he will find that such 

 groups have to be largely modified owing to more recent 

 advances in science. It is thus, indeed, that he will be best 

 enabled to appreciate the value of such advances. 



Starting with our most familiar Bird, the Fowl, we have 



