OCEANICA, OR OCEANIA. 



979 



size of a thrush, and is distinguished by its long, flowing plumes, composed of fine, delicate 

 webs, floating from each side of the chest, and by two slender, naked shafts of great length, 



Greater Bird of Paradise. Cassowary. 



which spring from the tail coverts. The Cassowary (Casuarius) is found in Java, Sumatra, 

 and the Moluccas, and is nearly aUied to the ostrich, the emeu, and the rhea. It is very fleet, 

 and will defend itself by striking with its feet and wings, but is often kept tame in the islands ; 

 is food is chiefly fruit and eggs. 



The Emeu [Dromaius) is a native of New Holland, and is somewhat like the cassowary. 



It is of the same general character as the 

 ostrich, and is next to it in size ; it runs 

 with great swiftness, by the aid of its wings. 

 The emeu id sometimes hunted for its flesh, 

 which has the flavor of beef. Tliis bird 

 has been transported to Europe, and is now 

 bred in the king's park at Windsor. 



The Black Swan {Cijgniis utratus) is 

 found in New Holland and Van Diemen's 

 Land. In form and habits it is similar to 

 the white swan, but somewliat smaller. 



Most of the aquatic birds are common to 

 other parts of the world, but the Coreopsis 

 is peculiar to New Holland. It is about 

 the size of a goose, and the only example 

 of this form. 



9. Inliabitants. There are at least two, 

 and probably several more, distinct races 

 of men in these islands ; one of these is 

 black ; but, although negroes, they are entirely different from tlie negroes of Africa, and have 



Cereopsis. 



