98 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



How many Species are there ? 



I have not been able to ascertain whether the question as to 

 the number of species of Ostrich has yet been settled. Some 

 writers maintain there are two species ; others that there are 

 three. Professor Newton (article "Ostrich," 'Encyclopaedia 

 Britannica '), after briefly reviewing the evidence, says the 

 question "has been for some years agitated without leading to a 

 satisfactory solution." 



The reasons given for classifying the Ostrich into three 

 species are : — 



That in the North African bird, Struthio camelus, the skin of 

 the unfeathered parts is flesh-coloured ; in the South African, 

 S. australis, bluish, except at the angle of the gape, which is flesh- 

 coloured ; and in the birds of the Somali country, S. mybdo- 

 phanes, leaden coloured. 



It is further maintained that the eggs of the northern Ostrich 

 are larger than those of the southern, and have a perfectly 

 smooth surface, while those of the southern are punctured or 

 pitted ; also that the northern bird is the smaller, and the cock 

 not so jet-black. Mr. Bartlett adds, as another distinguishing 

 character, that in the southern Ostrich the scales of the tarsi and 

 toes, unlike the skin of the other unfeathered parts, are flesh- 

 coloured. 



If the question has not been settled, a short description of 

 the South African Ostrich may help towards its solution ; if it is 

 decided, the description may nevertheless convey some useful 

 information to such as are interested in it. 



Colour of the Plumage. 

 Chicks when first hatched, and for some weeks after, have 

 the wings and upper part of the body covered with a mottled 

 dark-and-white coat of small feathers, ending in solid spiked 

 points, almost like miniature porcupine quills ; the lower part 

 with a soft yellow down. The neck is marked longitudinal^ 

 with wide dark stripes on a lighter ground, and the head with 

 spots of the same colour. Some broods are much darker than 

 others. They soon acquire a plumage varying from ash-colour 

 to brown, the feathers retaining their spiked points for some 

 time. At an age, generally from about twelve to eighteen months, 



