THE OSTRICH. 
7 
roent for eight men. The skin of the ostrich is so thick, 
that it is used for leather by the Arabians; and of the 
fggs drinking-cups are made. The value of the plumage 
ls "'ell known in most countries of Europe. 
As the spoils of the ostrich are thus valuable, it is not 
to be wondered at that man has become their most .assi- 
duous pursuer. For this purpose, the Arabians train up 
their best and fleetest horses, and hunt the ostrich still in 
view. Perhaps, of all varieties of the chase, this, though 
the most laborious, is yet the most entertaining. As soon 
as the hunter comes within sight of his prey, he puts on 
his horse with a gentle gallop, so as to keep the ostrich 
still in sight; yet not so as to terrify him from the plain 
into the mountains. Upon observing himself, therefore, 
pursued at a distance, the bird begins to run at first, but 
gently ; either insensible of his danger, or sure of escap- 
ing. In this situation he somewhat resembles a man at 
*ull speed ; his wings, like two arms, keep working with a 
motion correspondent to that of his legs ; and Ins speed 
would very soon snatch him from the view of his pursuers, 
hut, unfortunately for the silly creature, instead of going 
°ff in a direct line, he takes his course in circles; while 
the hunters still make a small course within, relieve each 
other, meet him at unexpected turns, and keep him thus 
still employed, still followed for two or three days toge- 
ther. At last, spent with fatigue and famine, and finding 
all power of escape impossible, he endeavours to hide 
himself from those enemies he cannot avoid, and covers his 
head in the sand, or the first thicket he meets. Sometimes, 
however, he attempts to face his pursuers : and though, 
m general, the most gentle animal in nature, when driven 
,n desperation, he defends himself with his beak, his 
w *ngs, and his feet. Such is the force of his motion, that 
a man would be utterly unable to withstand him in the 
shock. 
The Struthophagi had another mode of capturing these 
animals. They disguised themselves in the skin of an 
ostrich, and putting one of their arms through the neck, 
they imitated all its motions. By this means they are said 
to have enabled themselves to approach and take them at 
pleasure. In the same manner the savages of America 
disguise themselves as a roe-buck, in order to surprise that 
animal. 
The Touyou , which many call the American ostrich, is 
n °t an ostrich, though the travellers who have mentioned 
