BIRDS. 
289 
THE EMEU, OR AUSTRALIAN CASSOWARY. 
(Dromedus ater.) 
THE head is without any bony crest, and feathered, but 
the throat is naked. The claws are nearly equal in length. 
The general colour of the feathers is a dull brown mottled 
with a dingy grey ; and the young are striped with black. 
Next to the ostrich, it is the tallest bird known. It is 
very swift, and is hunted by dogs and men, against whom 
it defends itself by kicking violently. The flesh is consi- 
dered excellent eating, and it is said to taste something 
between a sucking-pig and a turkey. This bird, when 
taken young, is easily tamed. The name of Emeu 
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