288 VERTEBRATES. 



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 renjarkable 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 food of the bird consists of vegetable substances, and 

 it will frequently swallow a tolerably large apple entire, trusting 

 to the pebbles, etc., in its stomach, to bruise it. 



The Emu is a native of New HoHand, 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 distinguished. The skin of the Emu furnishes a bright and 

 clear oil, on which account it is eagerly sought after. Mr. Bennet 

 gives the following account of the habits of this bird : 



" 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, notwith- 

 standing its great strength, perfectly inoffensive. The length of 

 its legs and the muscularity of its thighs enable it to run with 

 great swiftness ; and as it is exceedingly shy, it is not easily over- 

 taken or brought within gun-shot. Captain Currie states that it 

 affords excellent coursing, equalling if not surpassing the same 

 sport with the hare in England ; but Mr. Cunningham says that 

 dogs will seldom attack it, both on account of some peculiar odor 

 in its flesh which they dislike, and because the injuries inflicted 

 upon them by striking out with its feet are frequently very severe. 

 The settlers even assert that the Emu will break the small bone 

 of a man's leg by this sort of kick; to .avoid which, the well- 

 trained dogs run up abreast, and make a sudden spring at their 

 neck, whereby they are quickly dispatched. 



" Its flesh has been compared to coarse beef, which it re- 

 sembles both in appearance and taste. There is but little fit for 

 culinary use upon any part of the Emu excect the hind auart»— .'' 



