Children's own library . eir leisure months onthe moors. The Ptarmigan. The common Ptarmigan inhabitsthe northern parts of Europe and America, and is alsofound in the north of Scotland, principally among themountains. The color of the bird is so similar to thatof the mossy and lichen-covered rocks among which itdwells, that a whole covey easily eludes an unprac-tised eye. In winter it turns white. The Australian Jungle Fowl inhabits the densethickets bordering on the seashore, and is never foundfar inland. The birds of this family are all remarkable for theshortness of their wings, which are w
Children's own library . eir leisure months onthe moors. The Ptarmigan. The common Ptarmigan inhabitsthe northern parts of Europe and America, and is alsofound in the north of Scotland, principally among themountains. The color of the bird is so similar to thatof the mossy and lichen-covered rocks among which itdwells, that a whole covey easily eludes an unprac-tised eye. In winter it turns white. The Australian Jungle Fowl inhabits the densethickets bordering on the seashore, and is never foundfar inland. The birds of this family are all remarkable for theshortness of their wings, which are weak and unable toraise them from the ground, but appear to assist themin running. The Ostrich. The Ostrich is the largest bird as yetknown to exist, its height being from six to eight is an inhabitant of Africa, and from thence theelegant plumes are brought. These plumes are mostlyobtained from the wings of the bird and not from thetail as is generally imagined. An immense number of eggs are laid by the Ostriches. OSTRICHES. 166 woods natural history in one spot, several birds belonging to each nest. Theeggs are very large and strong, and are in general useby the Bosjesmans for holding water. By means ofthese eggs, which they bury at intervals in the sand,after filling them with water, they are enabled to makeinroads across the desert and retreat with security, asnone can follow them for want of water. Each egg holdsrather more than five pints. An excellent omelet ismade by the natives, by burying the fresh egg in hotashes, and stirring round the contents with a stickthrough a hole in the upper end, until thoroughlycooked. The principal strength of the Ostrich tribe lies inthe legs. These limbs are so powerful that a swifthorse has great difficulty in overtaking the bird. Asthe Ostrich runs mostly in large curves, the hunterscut across and intercept the bird, which would in allprobability escape if followed in its exact course. It iseasily tamed. The Cassowary is a nati
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, bookidchildrensown, bookyear1910
