EPISODE OF MATERNAL COURAGE. . 269 
frequented by herds of cattle and flocks of sheep, the few individuals 
who have survived this aurora of civilization seek a refuge in the 
thickets or forests, collect their nourishment in the ravines and narrow 
valleys, while preferring always the luxuriant vegetation of the 
pasture-lands. 
Like the camel, the emeu can swallow a great quantity of liquid ; 
and in weather of average temperature can live for several days 
without renewing the supply. Even in the burning heats of summer 
he has been met with at a distance of fifteen to twenty miles from 
the nearest watercourses. When he wishes to drink, he pauses on 
the bank for some time, and looks around with vigilant precaution 
to see that no enemies are near ; then all at once dashes into the 
water, quaffs a good supply, reascends with celerity, and, if no peril be 
at hand, retires calmly. 
Mr. Ramel relates an anecdote in illustration of her maternal 
courage — a virtue for which most species of birds are celebrated. 
"In the plains of the Lower Goulburn," he says, "I caught sight 
of an old bird surrounded by half-a-dozen young ones, which were 
not more than half grown. Being anxious to obtain a specimen, 
I approached within less than a mile before they discovered me ; 
then they immediately took to flight, but in good order, the old 
bird bringing up the rear. I had with me a large greyhound for 
hunting kangaroos ; he outstripped my horse a little, with the view 
of pouncing on one of the fledgelings. But as he seized his prize 
the mother turned round upon him, and forced him to let go. The 
dog returned to the charge, and again seized the young bird ; the old 
emeu leapt upon his back, threw him on the ground, and struck 
him with her feet. In the midst of the melee I arrived, and the emeus 
were forced to beat a retreat. When the dog a third time captured 
a youngster, the old emeu again rushed upon him ; but my presence 
checked her. Though a fine strong animal, well known for his 
prowess, my greyhound had been completely beaten by the old emeu." 
The same traveller records an example of the singular effect 
produced upon this bird by a sudden alarm. " I was crossing on 
horseback," he says, " the Morton Plains in the Wimmera, accompanied 
