The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-18

came Into the possession OF two farmers
IN Cape Colony one OF whom was MI
ackinnear. who came to be known az
the chief promoter OF the domesticatioA
OF ostriches In South Africa. In lo~
these two farmers placed two ostriches IN
an Enclosure and began the experiment
The following year they had eighty os-
triches In captivity. including large pro-
portion Of young. This was the beginning
of ostrich farming, and these two farmers
were benefactors OF their race and or
South Africa, because they had discover
ed a new Industry. which was destined
10 play a most important part IN the
commerce OF a vast region. constantly
increasing area Of South Africa that l.
not wel-adapted to any other form OF in
dustry IS being devoted TO this proiitabls
business. Ostrich farming was greatly
stimulated by the invention OF Mr.. Dou-
glas. an incubator. which has proved
perfect success. With the use of thS
egg-hatching appliance Mr.. Douglas IL
ten years increased his original flock o.
eleven birds TO 800. This useful animal Is
no longer in danger of determination. the
feathers now come mostly from domesti-
Gated birds that are not killed 10 procure
their plumage. and, in 1885. the latest
statistics at hand, 600 worth OF fea-
TIERS from $50 900 birds, were sent abroad
from the ostrich farms OF Cape Colony
The other day the writer received
letter from former newspaper employee
in New York city, whose name he Is not
at liberty to mention. He had just ar
rived In the Caroline Island group or
the Pacific. where he will probably spend
the rest OF his days: and II all the facts
that took him there were told they would
make romantic story. IL is enough TO
ri on
a common sailor before the mast while
the vessel on which he served was al the
Carolines. decided that there was fine
chance to make money by preparing CO.
pra. the standard article OF commerce
from which cocoanut oil is made. and by
supplying what the natives wanted or
foreign manufactures. AS soon as he
could he returned TO the islands with
few hundred dollars worth Of trade goods
and from that day to this lie has never
seen America. though his business mas
taken him. now and then. to Hong Kong
and Australia. There are few men in the
Pacific who to-day are as wealthy as this
old sailor. Probably there Is no otner IN
dividual operator who carries on so large
a business. lie requires meet OF thirty
small sailing vessels in his enterprises
among the little islands OF this large group
felt. with growing years. desire TO shirt
a portion OF his responsibilities. and, in
stead OF selling out. he decided to asso-
ciate with himself his brother and nephew
I'm the conduct OF his affairs. This self
made American was sharp enough TO
recognize the main chance when he saw
IL among thes. Pacific island specks. with
the natural result that he Is a rich man.
Some years ago Egypt opened 10 trade
the once fanatical city Of Harrar in East
Africa. which was sealed 50 long against
all Christians. A young Frcnchman
named Rimbaud heard Of the sort OF trade
goods that were wanted among the natives
some ways south OF that city. Though
Egypt's influence did not extend beyond
Harrar itself Rimbaud had the temerity
TO take a large stock Of knickknacks into
that region. depending on his guns TO JIM
sure his safety. Not even an explorer
had been there before. though these
Gallas were fairly well known. He got
rid Of his goods at an enormous profit
bringing back gold dust. feathers. and
skins, and was about TO return with an
other cargo when an accident ended his
life These things simply show that "A
man with a gift for money-makng can
make money almost any where. Cyrus
{. Adams in New York Sun.