The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-04-01

"pajas," or high grass This is not only
a hindrance in itself, but conceals in
Vulnerable holes, made by groundhogs
and moles, that are a constant menace
to life. and limb. Yet, on a clear day
in the bracing South American climate
with plenty of game speeding before over
a country with an undulatiOn like the
ocean, no more exhlarating sport than
the chase of the South American ostrich
could be asked for. The most effective
hunt is that followed by the Indians or
Gauchos. They use the "bolas," or balls,
three pieces of stone, lead or heavy hard
wood, made round and covered with raw
hide. These balls are attached to thongs
of the same material, which are Joined
together in the center. When all is ready
the Indians mount their horses and ap-,
proach the game in a large. semi-circle,
riding against the wind for the ostrich is
keen of scent and once he suspects the
presence of a man is off like lightning.
When birds are sighted the rideis swing
the bolas round their heads with great
rapidity. their horses all the while go
ing at full gallop, and when within range
hurl them at the game. changing its
legs. wings or neck, and tripping it, or
stunning it if hit on the head or any
g nsitive SPOT 1t is wonderful to see the
natives rise in Their saddles when at full
speed, swing the balls and hit the mark,
sometimes at distance of eighty yards.
If enc bird is trou2ht down the rest
seem to become panic stricken, and in
81 ad of escaping remain near their fallen
| tomranion. In this way a 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. 1t is a spOrtsmanlike
race where the game has a chance for
its life 1t is very like fox hunting, ex-
cfpt that the ostrich is swfter if any
n haf
The fox For instance, when the hunters
| are pressing close on the game and 1t
would seem that the dogs were about to
capture il, the bird takes advantage of
the least breath of air, raises one wing
slightly, using it as a sail, and running
slantwise against the breeze vanishes
from sight like a leaf in a whirlwind. If
by any chance the breeze dies out and
the hunters again feel sure of their os
trch, the latter, doubles like a fox, and
SO quickly ana suddenly that the dogs
pass beyond. making the hunt long drawn
out, difficult and exciting.
Though game laws have been passed
prohibiting the killing of ostriches during
the breeding season, little, If any atten-
ton Is paid to them. IT is estimated that
from 100000 to 100000 birds are slaughtered
annually. number which has not only
| thinned out the species to a great extent,
but promises in time to eXtinguish it al
! together The only remedy for this in
country where 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
resembling mutton, and an omelette made
| Of the eggs or rather several omelettes
made of one egg, poss SIS a delicious flaw
or. Consequently egg hunting is almost as
much q a sport as ostrich hunting Sew
etal hens lay in one nest which sometimes
| holds from twelve TO twenty-five eggs
The cock often matches the eggs, and IL