Origin of the Cawston Flock 
The establishing of the ostrich feather industry in Amer- 
ica was brought about over twenty-three years ago, by the 
keen business insight and determined persistency of Mr. 
Cawston. Heavy import duties could be saved by producing 
the feathers at home, and Mr. Cawston set about to accom- 
plish this end. The ideal conditions of Southern California 
made it the most favored for the planting of this new indus- 
try, and preparations were made to have in California the 
original Ostrich Farm of America. 
The securing of the first birds for the starting of this 
infant enterprise was an enormous task. Mr. Cawston char- 
tered a vessel and made a voyage to Africa for the purchase 
of the best birds procurable. The boat was arranged with 
padded enclosures for the safety of the birds, as the sea- 
faring ability of the ostrich was an unknown quality. At 
South Africa the ship was loaded with a vast supply of food 
and several tons of gravel. 
The Africans, seeing one of their chief means of livelihood 
threatened, put forth every effort possible to prevent the ship- 
ping of these ostriches. An export duty of $500.00 each was 
placed on every ostrich, and $25.00 each on eggs. Before this 
became a law, however, Mr. Cawston was safe at sea with 
fifty of the finest birds. The hardships of the trip have never 
been told, and likely never will be. The very best care was 
taken of the precious cargo, and the wants of the birds were 
met in every particular by men thoroughly trained in their 
handling. Some of the birds died at sea; others died after 
landing, but a goodly number survived the trip and were soon 
established in their new home in Southern California. Cal- 
ifornia has proven to be an ideal place for ostrich raising. 
Many fine Nubian specimens have since been imported by 
Mr. Cawston to greatly strengthen the breed, the result being 
the finest feather producers to be found in the world. 
On Dress Parade, Cawston Ostrich Farm, South Pasadena 
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