Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1883-08-09

from railroad station (COsta.) Our
as your own valley, and as destitute Of
trees except strip OF two miles wide, cali
ed the ''WillOws," which is covered with a
growth OF small willows fifteen or twenty
feet in height. Through this strip runs
the San.a Ana river, or rather did run, for
the water is all taken out above for irriga-
ton, and only bed of dry quicksand is to
be seen. Alter leaving the "Willows" we
pass over well-improyed portion of coun-
try with its orchards and vineyards, all due
to irrigation. Then follows a strip OF cOun-
try no capable OF being irrigated, and in
consequence barren plain. Finally we
enter AN Artesian belt and approach the
ostrich farm.
Our proximity TO the farm is indicated
by conspicuous signs posted at every road
crossing requesting all visitors TO leave
their dogs at home.
The ostrches stand in mortal fear OF
dogs, and at sight of them will dash furi-
ously about in their efforts to get away,
cndangering thier lives. Many dogs have
already been shot for coming too near, and
the dog belonging TO the place, which is kept
constantly chained, would be as relentless
ly shot should he break loose. The ostriches
are valued at 81 800 to 81, 900 each, and are
too valuable TO run any risks OF harm. The
proprietor attributes this fear TO the great
resemblance the dog bears 10 the jackal,
the greatest enemy the ostrich has in its
native haunts. These ostriches, twenty
but one was lately killed by its mattel were
brought from Cape Colony TO New York,
where they were in Barnum's Museum
awhile. They were then brought to San
Francisco where they were kept in Wood
wards Gardens till a..suitable place should
be selected for them.
The farm comprises GAO acres, on which
there is an artesian well that furnishes an
abundance of water for irrigation. The
location has been criticised because of the
manifest abundance of alkaIi on parts OF
the farm, but ostriches are fond OF alkaline
grasses aud of vegetables grown In aka
line soil and, in fact, certain quantity Of
alkali is necessary to their welfare. The
proprietors are Englishmen of many years
experience in the business in South Africa,
and understand the business In all its de-
tails, and il is safe to say they have made
as good n selection as could be made. They
are very sanguine of success; they say
that the climate closely resembles Cape
Colony. but is not quite so warm, and is
not subject TO so protracted droughts.
Sometimes four years elapse in South AZ.
rica without Il drop of rain, and no water
is TO be had at any depth. People have to
leave the country at such times. As high
as six pounds $500, they tell me they have
paid for n sack OF corn.
Although this site was not located upon
until last April, the superintendent has al
| ready quit buying food for the birds, hav-
ing raised enough on the farm for all pur-
poses. His alfalfa, sown April LIST. was cut
July LIST at the rate of two tons per acre.
He cut fine crop of barley in June. The
| birds have been led for weeks on turnips
grown on the farm. and corn, beets, and
other vegetables are rapidly maturing.
Alfalfa and corn are the main reliance.
These birds are eight years Old and are
the finest that could he found in Africa
They cost $500 each there, and are valued
at 81 300 here, as the risk during the ocean
voyage is very great.
Often two-thirds or more OF an entire lot
die on the voyage. They are birds Of great
longevity. One is known in Africa to be up
wards OF eighty years old.
The eggs, of which they lay seventy or
| eighty during the season--the one that W as
killed had cighty-three eggs, OF various
degrees of perfection, concealed about her
person-weigh three and one-half pounds
| each, and are valued at one hundred dol
lars apiece. They are Matched in incuba-
tors. the safest and surest course 10 pursue
with one hundred dollar eggs, though it is
not true that in their native wilds the birds
leave their eggs TO he Matched by the sun.
IL requires forty days to hatch the eggs.
Artificial mothers are made by hanging
wooden blankets over poles ut such an ele-
walton as 10 give the young birds chance
IN screen themselves in the folds.
The paddocks in which the birds are kept
in pairs, are ranged around on three sides
of a square. A fence put around, ten feet
back from the pens, keeps visitors from
coming too near, thus saving the birds from
undue excitement, and perhaps the person
from sore head. The paddocks are built
Of common fencing. four bOards-fve feet
high, and arc perhaps twenty-five feet
square. An eight feet space is now made
between each paddock; at first but a single
line of fence separated the birds who would
of willow bushes Is set in one corner OF
each paddock, furnishing u partial protec.
ton for the female as she lays her eggs In a
hole in the ground. The males stalk
ceaselessly around their enclosures, spread.
ing their wings and kissing ut strangers
somewhat after the manner Of geese.
The neck, legs and thighs OF the birds
are destitute Of feathers, though the neck
IL clothed with a species of down. The
feathers OF commerce are plucked from the
wings and tail only. The feathers OF the
female are gray those Of the male are
feathers on the under side of their wings
A few of the feathers ON the tip Of the
wing are the finest, and since they have
been mostly saved for the use of the noble
ladies' of the old world, are called "crown
feathers'' The finest plumes will be sold
at the farm for about five dollars; such
feathers rs command fifteen dollars each In
the cities. Forty or fifty feathers are taken
from each bird once in six months.
1t has already been demonstrated that the
ostrich will thrive here, for those ut
Anaheim Tor Costa are as healthy and Wig
orous as any at the Cape; IT has been DEM
onstratcd their fertility is unimpaired, for
the living evidence is presented In chicks q
few weeks old it has been demonstrated
that the feathers will grow, for notwith-
standing this is naturally their mounting
season, the feathers are making q fne
growth, showing that the birds are already
thoroughly acclimated.
II may fairly be said that ostrich farming
In Southern California Is no longer an ex.
pertinent, and it hss already taken its
place among the industries OF the country.
One Of the proprietors, Mr.. Protheroe IL
now on his way 10 Africa after another
shipment Of birds, and ready sale is ex-
pected for the young birds - fast as they
are raised.
IL IL but ten years since ostrich farming
was inauguraied In Cape Colony, and there
are now forty million dollars Invested In
the business there. The other proprietor.
Mr.. C. J. skctchiey, supcrintsnds The farm
and 10 nohis specimen Of Briten. he b
sonewhat impatient u The freeden q biz
visssrs. he liberties shey take ard IL A.
nevances hey oocasion. He says thak -