IN CAPTIVITY IN LOWER BENGAL. 351 



(402) THE COMMON EHEA. 

 (EHEA AMEEICANA— Vieill.) 



The rhea is mucli smaller in size than an ostrich, which it closely 

 resembles in form; its head and neck are completely covered with 

 feathers ; it has no tail, and possesses three instead of two toes ; the 

 wings are somewhat more developed than in an ostrich. 



Hab. — Sonth America, extending from Bolivia, Peraguay, and 

 South Brazil to as far south as the Strait of Magelan. 



Length of life in captivity. 



Of a pair obtained in November 1885, the female died in about six 

 months : it never properly recovered. The male met with an accident, and 

 had to be killed: it lived for about two years in the garden and was 

 thriving. 



Treatment in health. 



With regard to housing and food, it may be treated generally like 

 an ostrich, which it much resembles in habits also. 



W. J.— Reg. No. 4547 J— 1 ,000-14-4-92. 



