the dry desert soil on which it
is obtained, the only species it can procure are of a hard, dry texture;
and it is supposed to be for the purpose of assisting nature in their
digestion that the bird will swallow pebbles, pieces of iron, or other
mineral substances. Some have been disembowelled, in whose stomachs was
found a collection so varied as to resemble a small curiosity shop or
geological museum.

Stones have been taken out of the stomach of an ostrich each weighing
more than a pound avoirdupois!

When this great bird is going at full run,--for of course it cannot
fly,--its stride is full twelve feet in length, and its rate of speed
not less than twenty-five miles to the hour. It cannot be overtaken by
a horseman, and its capture is generally the result of some stratagem.

It always feeds on the open plain, where it can obtain an unobstructed
view, and be warned in good time of the approach of an enemy. It
possesses a sharp vision, and from the manner its eyes are set in its
small, disproportioned head, held eight or ten feet above the surface of
the ground, it can take in the whole circle of the horizon at a glance.
On this account the utmost caution is required in approaching it.

In one respect the author of the book of Job has closely followed nature
in his description of this bird; for "God hath deprived her of wisdom,
neither hath he imparted to her understanding."

The ostrich is a stupid creature, and is often captured by taking
advantage of its stupidity. Nature seems to have placed in its little
head the belief that in running to the leeward it will encounter some
impassable barrier, and be overtaken by whatever pursues it.
Ostrich-hunters are well acquainted with this peculiarity, and on
approaching a flock they always ride to the windward. This manoeuvre is
observed by the birds, who believe that an attempt is being made to cut
off their retreat in the only direction in which it can be successfully
made. They immediately start on a course which, if continued, must
cross that taken by the hunters. Owing to the greater distance it has
to run, the latter often get near enough to bring the bird down with a
shot. Were the silly bird to retreat in the opposite direction, it
would be perfectly safe from pursuit.

The feathers of the ostrich are beautifully adapted to the warm climate
of the desert country it inhabits. They allow a free circulation of the
air around its skin, while giving shad