236 BACKBONED ANIMALS. 
by the hen. During this time they are extremely fierce. 
They readily take to the water and swim well. The 
young differ in color from the parents. 
The Emeu (Dromaius Nove Hollandia) is an allied 
form from Australia, its feathers resembling a mat of 
long black hair. The wings are rudimentary, the nos- 
trils are not far from the tip of the upper mandible, and 
the three toes are of equal length. They attain a height 
of seven feet. As with the rhea, the male attends to the 
eggs. The young at first have a protective marking of 
black stripes upon a white ground. 
The Cassowary (Casuarius galeatus), found in the 
Island of Ceram and in the Indian Archipelago, also has 
three toes, but of unequal length, and attains a height 
of five feet or more. The body is covered with long, 
black, hair-like feathers, the wings being represented by 
five stiff, cylindrical shafts, that are often used as a de- 
fense. The nostrils are placed near the middle of the 
upper mandible, and the head is ornamented by a large,. 
horny helmet. The eggs are protected by their grayish- 
green color. , 
The Ostrich (Struthio camelus)* is the largest living 
bird, attaining a height of eight feet. It is found in the 
deserts of Africa and Arabia. The legs are extremely 
* The general color is black and gray, the tail and wing feath- 
ers being of great size and beauty. The nest is a mere hollow in the 
sand, in which the eggs, about thirty, are laid, each one equaling 
about two dozen hen’s eggs, and weighing about three pounds each; in 
the day-time being kept warm by the sun, and at night covered by 
the male. The eggs upon the outer row are often eaten by the old 
and young birds. Their speed is greater than that of the fleetest 
horse. In running, the wings are spread out (Fig. 277), and per- 
haps used as sails. Their legs are also their protection in close quar- 
ters. Edward Verreaux, the French naturalist, saw a native instantly 
killed by a kick from one. Their food consists of herbage of all 
kinds, while stones and various strange articles are swallowed to aid 
digestion. 
