114 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
pearance, somewhat resembles the dromedary. From 
the head to the ground it measures eight or nine 
feet. The neck is long and bare ; the thighs are 
large and fleshy ; the legs are covered with scales ^ 
and the feet are cloven into two toes. 
2. The plumage is generally a mixture of black 
and white. The feathers upon the tail and wings 
are held in such high estimation, that the bird is 
hunted principally for the purpose of obtaining 
them. It possesses such surprising powers of di- 
gestion, that it will devour leather, hair, stones, or 
almost any hard substance. 
3. In its movements the Ostrich is surprisingly 
fleet. Although its wings are too small to enable it 
to fly, they assist it very essentially while running, 
and, did it pursue a direct, instead of a circuitous 
course, the swiftest horse could not overtake it. 
When exhausted, the poor animal buries its head in 
the sand, as if it could thus conceal its whole body. 
4. “ At a French factory at Podor, on the south- 
ern bank of the river Niger, in Africa, there were 
two young Ostriches, nearly full grown, and so tame, 
that two little blacks mounted the back of the larg- 
est, when he began to run as fast as possible, and 
carried them several times around the village.” 
Describe its size and appearance. In what estimation are its 
feathers held ? What substances will it devour ? What is said 
of its speed 1 What anecdote is related which shows its great 
strength ? 
