Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1900-05-03
Hunting The Ostrich.

1t is not commonly known that
there are almost as many ostriches IN
South America as in Africa, aid yet
the annual export of feathers from the
former country to the United States
alone is in the neighborhood of nine
teen tons, representing in money
$4l,647.
The "rhea,' or South American
ostrich, differs from the African bird
in having its head and neck complete
ly feathered in being tailless and hav-
ing three toes instead 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 are IN de-
mand, methods have been adopted to
catch them, and these methods are at
rho same time a business and the most
exciting sort OF sport.
A powerful horse in condition to
stand hard riding and long abstinence
from water 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 hindrence IN itself,
but conceals innumerable holes, made
by ground hogs and moles, that are
constant menace to lie and limb.
Yet, on clear day IN the braclng
South American climate, with plenty
of game speeding before over a coun'
try with an undulation like the ocean,
no more exhilaratlng sport than the
chase of the South American ostrich
could ask for. The most effective
hunt is that followed by the Indians
or Gauchos. They use the "bolas, or
balls, three pieces Of stones, lead or
heavy hardwood, made round and
covered with rawhide. 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 large seml-clrcIe'
riding against the wind, for the os-
trich is keen of scent and once he sus-
poets the presence Of a man Is OFT like
lightning.
When birds are sighted the riders
swing the bolas round their heads
with great rapidity, their horses all
the while going at full gallop, and
when within range hurl them at the
game, entangling its legs, wings or
neck, and tripping it, or stunning 1t
if hit on the head or any sensitive
spot. 1t is wonderful to see the ma
tives rise in their saddles when at
full speed, swing the balls and hit the
mark sometimes at a distance Of eighty
yards. If one bird is brought down
the rest seem to become panic strick-
en-, and, insteal Of escaping, remain
near their fallen companion. Ia 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
greyhounds appeal more. 1t ls
sportsmanlike race, where the game
has a chance for its life. 1t Is very
like fox hunting, except that the os-
trich is swifter, if anything, and en-
ployes even more lodges than fox.
For instance, when the hunters are
pressing close on the game and it
would seem that the dogs were about
to capture it, 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 ostrich, the latter
doubles like fox, and 50 quickly and
suddenly that the dogs pass beyond,
making the hunt long drawn out, DIFF
fcult 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. 1t is
estimated that from 100000 to 5O0.-
900 binds are slaughtered annually,
a number which has not only thinned
out the species to great extent, but
promises in time to extinguish it alto
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