380 OSTKICH PLUMES. 



the ostrich being allowed to remain undisturbed, even in the desolate 

 regions which he inhabits. The hunting of this bird is extremely 

 laborious. 



Those who hunt tbe ostrich for the sake ol its feathers proceed 

 systematically to their work. They hunt on horseback, and begin the 

 pursuit by a gentle gallop ; for should they at the outset, be rashly 

 eager, the ostrich would start off at such a speed as would carry him 

 wholly beyond the reach of his hunters ; but when the pace is more 

 steady, the ostrich makes no particular effort to escape. It does not go 

 in a direct line, but wavers from one side to the other ; and this enables 

 the hunter to save distance. The chase often continues several days, at 

 the end of which time the strength of the ostrich becomes exhausted, 

 and he yields. The feathers on which value is placed are chiefly those 

 of the tail ; and the hunters are careful not to disfigure these in the 

 process of capture. 



Ostrich feathers dyed black, are used for making funeral plumes for 

 horses' heads, in sets of eleven for the hearse, and sets of six for the 

 lid or coffin board, which is borne on the head of one of the undertakers. 

 These plumes are made of a number of pieces of feathers, fastened on to 

 supports of stout brass wire, which are bent downwards when used, so 

 as to give the graceful fall to the plume. "When not in use they are 

 closed up to the centre stem. A full set of these plumes for a funeral is 

 worth 2001. to 300Z., and they are let out by the makers to undertakers. 



Plumes of white ostrich feathers are sometimes used at the funeral 

 of young females, but such plumes, from their great value, are rarely 

 seen. 



In preparing ostrich feathers 'for use they are first washed in a 

 lather of white soap and water, and subsequently in warm clear water. 

 They are bleached by three successive operations ; first with water only, 

 then with a little indigo, and then a little sulphur. The feathers are 

 then dried by hanging upon cords, during which they are shaken from 

 time to time to separate their barbs. To increase their pliancy the ribs 

 are scraped with a bit of glass cut circularly ; and to impart the re- 

 quisite curly form to the barbs or filaments, the edge of a blunt knife is 

 drawn over them. 



The fine soft down, which lies under the larger feathers, known in 

 commerce as estridge, is used in the Cape Colony and in France, as a 

 substitute for beaver in the manufacture of hats ; and the coarser, or 

 stronger sort, called hair, has been employed in the fabrication of a 

 stuff or list which resembles fine woollen cloth. 



At the South Kensington Museum the various ornamental applica- 

 tions of feathers are well displayed, by Messrs Adcock and Co., where 

 are numerous illustrations of ostrich feathers. They are shown white, 

 curled and dressed ; dyed blue, black, and green, and white tipped with 

 pink. The feathers as imported undressed, and some with the barbs 

 on each side of the shaft dved different colours. 



