AUSTKALIAN CASSOWARY. 
the scrubs, wandering about the sides of the watercourses and creeks, diving 
in through the bushes and vines at the slightest noise. Towards evening and 
early in the morning they usually visit their favourite feeding-trees, such as 
the native figs, Leichardt tree {S. leichardti), and various species of Acmena, 
Jambosa, Davidsonia, etc. ; they appear to be particularly fond of the astringent 
fruit of the Leichardt trees and a species of Maranta, which produced bunches 
of large seed-pods filled with juicy pulp, resembling in appearance the inside of 
ripe passion fruit {Passiftora edulis). Fruits and berries of aU kinds are 
eagerly sought after ; the tame semi-adult bird which I had the pleasure of 
forwarding to the Society (1875) became so fond of the fruit of the cape- 
mulberry that he would allow no one to come near the tree he had taken 
possession of. This bird has frequently devoured at a time as much as three 
quarts of ‘ loquats ’ (fruit of Eriohotria japonica), and several fair-sized 
oranges whole, besides its usual amount of bread per diem {about three pounds). 
In nature, I found that in the afternoons they frequently came out and walked 
along the scrubs or along the side of the river or creeks, and swallowed large 
quantities of pebbles and small rough-edged stones. In confinement, plantains 
and sweet potatoes (in large pieces, which they can swallow whole) are a favourite 
food, while nothing seems to come amiss to them — grasshoppers, spiders, 
earthworms, cockroaches, caterpillars of all kinds, dough, and even raw meat. 
They ascertain the flavour of their diet by first taking it up in the tip of their 
bills and giving it a slight pinch ; and if not suitable, they throw it aside. 
I found they invariably refused green loquats, but always picked them up in 
the bill first to try them. In confinement they become very tame, and may 
be allowed to walk about the place without restraint, coming when called, 
and more often running after and following anyone who is accustomed to feed 
them. If disappointed or teased, they not unfrequently ‘ show fight ’ by 
bristling up their feathers, and kicking out sideways or in front with force 
sufficient to knock a strong man down — a feat I have witnessed on more than 
one occasion. These birds are very powerful, and dangerous to approach when 
wounded. On more than one occasion a wounded bird has caused a naturalist 
to take to a tree ; the sharp nail of the inner toe is a most dangerous weapon, 
quite equal to the claw of a large kangaroo, and capable of doing quife as 
much execution. 
“ I found the Cassowaries to be excellent swimmers, and frequently 
tracked them across a good-sized creek or river. On Hinchinbrook Island, 
situated about one-and-a-half mile from the mainland, they have been frequently 
met with, and I have myself heard them calhng at night and early in the morning 
as I passed up the channel, at a distance of at least two miles from them. 
Mr. Johnstone informs me he met with one swimming across a river of 
considerable width during his explorations while on the ‘ North-east Coast 
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