THE AMERICAN OSTRICH. 36 1 



when they had distinguished themselves by any glorious deed. At 

 the present day there is a large demand for them. The plumes of 

 the male bird are more highly valued than those of the female ; and 

 all are superior when plucked from the living bird. 



Several Libyan nations in former days used the skin of the 

 Ostrich for a cuirass, and even at the present time some Arabian 

 tribes apply it to the same purpose. The shells of ostrich eggs, 

 which are very hard, are also utilised ; they are made into beautiful 

 cups, which much resemble vases of ivory. The Africans annually 

 destroy a large number of these birds ; yet their race does not 

 appear to diminish. It is a most useful creature, and too much 

 encouragement cannot be given to the trials which have been 

 made in Algeria and elsewhere to rear the Ostrich in flocks on an 

 extensive scale. 



The Rhea or American Ostrich {Rhea americana, Fig. 144), 

 bears the greatest resemblance to the Ostrich, of which it is the 

 representative in the New World ; but it is only about half the 

 size of the African bird, and has three toes in front instead of two. 

 The colour of its plumage is a uniform grey. 



This Bird (called by the Brazilians Nhandu-Guayi) inhabits the 

 Pampas of South America, the coolest valleys in Brazil, Chili, Peru, 

 and Magellan's Land. There they may be seen wandering over 

 the open plains in flocks of about thirty, in company with herds 

 of oxen, horses, and sheep. They browse on the grass like cattle, 

 at the same time searching for various seeds. They run nearly as 

 swiftly as the Ostrich, so are well able, by speed, to escape the 

 pursuit of their enemies. If a river interrupts their course, they 

 do not hesitate to plunge into it, as they are excellent swimmers ; in- 

 deed, so fond are they of water that they take pleasure in splashing 

 and bathing in it. 



The Rhea lays its eggs and incubates them in the same manner 

 as the Ostrich. They are birds of a gentle nature, and are tamed 

 with the greatest ease, becoming very familiar in the house, visiting 

 the various apartments, wandering about the streets, and even into 

 the country ; but they always return to their homes before sunset. 



The flesh of the adult is by no means agreeable ; that of the 

 young, on the contrary, is tender and sweet. Its skin, when properly 

 dressed, is used for bags, purses, &c, and their feathers serve for 

 plumes and light dusting-brooms. We owe a knowledge of a second 

 species of Rhea to Mr. Darwin, who has given a figure and ample 

 descriptions of the bird and its habits in "The Voyage of the 

 Beagle /' it has been named in consequence Rhea Darwinii. There 



