The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-08
HUNTING TIE OSTRICH
Africa Not the Only Region of the
Hardy Giant Bird.
The Plains of south America n Great
Field for Energetic Pursucrs.
Feathers Not the Only Value of the
species-Hundreds of Thousands
of Them slaughtered Every Year.

1t is not generally known that there are
almost as many ostriches in South Ameri-
ca as in Africa, and yet the annual ex
port of feathers from the former country
TO the United States alone is in the neigh
borhood of nineteen tens, representing in
money s41.647.
The ''rhea,' or South American ostrich,
differs from the African bird in having its
head and neck completely feathered, in
being tailless. and having three toes in
stead of two. 1t may be found in large
numbers in the Argentine and Uruguay
Republics, and in the country extending
from Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil as far
south as the Straits of Magellan. Its
home is on the "pampas' or plains; some
times on open ground, and more often
near cover of grass and stunted under
growth. Since the birds are wild and wary
and their feathers in demand, methods
have been adopted TO catch them, and
these methods are at the same time
business and the most exciting sort of
sport.
powerful horse in condition TO stand
hard riding and long abstinence from wa
ter is the first consideration in ostrich
hunting The course is both annoying and
dangerous, for, though the chase is on
level ground with no fences TO. fear, the
rhea takes at once to the 'pajas" or high
grass. This is not only hinGranee in
itself, but conceals innumerable holes.
made by ground hogs and moles, that are
a constant menace to life and limb. Yet,
on clear day in the bracing South Amer
lean climate, with plenty of game speed
ing before over country with an undu-
lation like the ocean, no more eXhilarating
sport than the chase of the South Ameri-
can ostrich could be asked for The most
effective hunt is that followed by the In
dians or Gauchos. They use the "bolas,"
or balls, three pieces Of stone. lead, or
heavy hardwood made round and covered
with rawhiee. These balls are attached
: to'thongs of the same material, which are
Joined together in the centre. When all
is ready the Indians mount their horses
and approach the game in a large semi
circle, riding against the wind for the os-
trich is keen of scent, and once he suspects
the presence of a man is off like lightning.
When birds are sighted the riders swing
the bolas round their heads with great
rapidity, their horses all the while GO
ing at full galiop. and when within range
hurl them at the game. entangling its legs.
wings, or neck, and tripping it. or stun
ming 1t if hit en- the head or any sensitive
spot 1t is wonderful 10 see the natives
rise in their saddles when at full speed
swing the balls and hit the mark some
times at distance Of eighty yards. II one
bird is brought down the rest seem 10
become panic-stricken, and instead of
escaping remain near their fallen compan-
ion. In this way score of them may be
killed in one spot.
To the man who loves hunting for sake
Of the chase alone. horses and grey
hounds appeal more. II is a sportsman
like race, where the game has a chance
for its life. 1t is very like fox hunting,
except that the ostrich is swifter IL any
thing. and employs even more lodges than
the fox. For instance, when the hunters
are pressing close on the game and ii
would seem that the dogs were about to
capture 1t, the bird takes advantage of the
least breath of air. raises one wing slight
Iy, using 1t as sail, and running slant
wise against the breeze vanishes from
sight like a leaf In a whirlwind. II by
any chance the breeze dies out and the
hunters again feel sure of their ostrich,
the latter doubles like a fox and so quick
ly and suddenly that the dogs pass be-
yond, making a hunt long drawn-out, dif-
ficult, and exciting.
Though game laws have been passed
prohibiting the killing of ostriches during
the breeding season, little if any attention
is paid to them. II is estimated that from
900 to 200 birds are slaughtered an
nually, a number which has not only thin
ned out the species to a great extent, but
promises in time to eXtinguish II akogeth-
er. The only remedy for this in a country
where the law is Ineffective would be TO
establish ostrich farms similar to those in
Africa and California.
Nor is the ostrich hunted for its feathers
alone; its flesh is agreeable, somewhat re-
sembling mutton, and an omelette made
Of the eggs, or rather several omelettes
made form one egg, possess a delicious
flavor. Consequently, egg hunting is almost
as much OF a sport as ostrich hunting.
Several hens lay in one nest, which some
times holds from twelve to twenty-five
eggs. The cock often matches the eggs;
and If disturbed during the operation be-
comes very dangerous, not hesitating to
attack with his legs a man on horseback