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GENUS DROMAIUS (Vieillot). 



rflHE Emu represents this form in Australia and Tasmania, to which countries it is restricted. The 

 possession of three toes distinguishes it from the Ostrich, while it differs structurally from the 

 Rheas and Cassowaries in other particulars. 



DROMAIUS XOV.IvIlOLLAXDLE (G. R Gray). 



THE EMU. Genus: Dromaius. 



NOTWITHSTANDING its dull colour and awkward gait, the Emu is nevertheless our of the most 

 remarkable birds in our Ornithology. In size, it is surpassed only by the African Ostrich, and 

 the fact of its having been chosen, with the Kangaroo, as a fitting type of this territory, to stand guard 

 over Australia's coat of arms, gives it a wide and lasting interest. Powerless of flight, bulky, awkward, 

 and an easy prey to the sportsman, it is deeply to be regretted that the Emu has now almost disappeared 

 from Tasmania, and as civilization spreads in Australia it is being driven back to the sparsely settled, 

 arid districts of the west. Should this wanton slaughter be permitted to continue, it will undoubtedly 

 become extinct in the course of a few years. 



Viewed from a short distance, the plumage is like coarse hair, of a dull brown, mottled, 

 particularly underneath, with dirty grey. The hair-like appearance is caused by the fact that the barbs 

 take their origin in pairs from the same shaft, as in the ostrich. The feathers are of no value, but 

 in up-country houses the skin is often used as a mat, giving an agreeable relief to the bare floors. 

 Settlers often extract the oil, which is invaluable for sprains, bruises, and rheumatic pains, besides being 

 a fine lubricant, and excellent for softening leather. 



The flesh is much prized by the aborigines, being very like coarse beef ; it is seldom eaten 

 by whites when beef and mutton are available, but has often been of great service to pioneers. 

 The eggs, which are of a beautiful dark green, make good wholesome food ; they are only slightly 

 stronger in flavour than those of the domestic fowl. Carved, or mounted in silver, they make 

 tasteful ornaments, which are now known and universally prized. In its native state the bird is 

 most inquisitive, and the sportsman can often bring it within easy shot by lying down and kicking 

 his feet in the air. The aborigines bring it close by hiding in the grass and waving a stick 

 with a bunch of rag or feathers attached, which the birds will come to investigate. They 

 also stalk the birds by means of a green bush, which they carry before them, and, thus hidden, 

 get within spearing distance. They cook the flesh of the hind quarters, sometimes by burying it 

 in a hole previously heated by fire, sometimes coating it with clay, and then baking it. Only the 

 flesh of the legs, as a rule, is eaten, the other parts not furnishing much edible meat. The wings are 

 entirely useless for flight, and when laid close to the body are almost invisible. When caught, its 

 chief defence is its kick, which is severe enough to be dangerous to dogs or men. Its note is a loud 

 booming or grunting sound, alternated with a high, soft whistle. 



