BIRDS. 
283 
SECTION V. (Srallatoreg, or 
THE OSTRICH. (Struthio camelus.) 
THIS bird is a native of Africa. It is one of the tallest of 
birds ; as when it holds up its head it can reach eleven 
feet in height. The head is very small in comparison with 
the body, being hardly bigger than one of the toes; it is 
covered, as well as the neck, with a certain down, or thin- 
set hairs, instead of feathers. The sides and thighs are 
entirely bare and flesh-coloured. The lower part of the 
neck, where the feathers begin, is white. The wings are 
short, and of no use in flying, but when the bird runs, 
