The St. Louis Republic., 1900-04-16
SOUTH AMERICAN 0sTRIcHEs.
Points of Difference Between Them
and South African Birds.

II is not commonly known that there are
almost many ostriches III South America
AS IN Africa. and yet the annual export of
feathers from the former country to the
United States alone is in the neighborhood
of nineteen tons. representing in money
Al.6iI.
The "rhea'' or South American ostrich,
differs from the African bird. in having its
head and neck completely feathered, in be
ing tailess and having three toes instead
OF two. II may be found in large numbers
in the Argentine and Uruguay Republic and
lit the country extending from Bolivia. Par
acuay and Brazil. and AS far south as the
Straits of Magellan. It's home is on the
''pampas. or plains: sometimes on open
ground. and more often near cover of grass
and stunted underground. Since the birds
are wild and wary and their feathers are
in demand methods have been adopted 20
catch them. and these methods are at the
same time Il business and the most exciting
sort of sport. says the New York Press.
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 ''paias.' or high grass. This is not
only a hindrance in itself. but Ccncsa!s in
Vulnerable holes. made by ground hogs and
riol,s. that u constant menace to life
and limb. Yet. on clear day In toe hrac.
H., south american climate. with plenty ~
an unduIation like the ocean. no more ex-
hiIarating sport than the chase of the
The most effective hunt is tina; followed by
the Indians Iiauchos. They use the
"holas" or balls. thre,, pieces Of stone. lead
or heavy hardwood. made round and COW
tacheC. to thongs of the same material.
which are JOINED together in the center.
When all is ready the Indians mount their
horses and approach the game in a large
ssmicirce. riding against the wind. for the
ostrich is keen of scent. and once he sus-
poets the presence of man, Is off like
When birds are sighted the riders swing
the boas round their heads with great ra-
pidty. their horses all the while going at
full ga,lop. ana when within range hurl
them at the game. entangins; its legs. wings
or neck. and tripping 1t. ct stunning 1t If
hit on the head or any sensitive spot. 1t
10 wonderful to see the natives rise in their
saddi.s when at full speed. swing the balls
and hit the mark. sometimes at Il distance
Of eighty yards If one bird is brought
en-. and. instead # escaping: remain near
of them may be killed in on spot
To the man who loves hunting. for sake
of the chase alone. horses and grayhOundS
appeal more. 1t is q sportsrraniike race.
where the game has chance for its life.
II Is very like fox hunting, except that the
ostrich is swifter. If anything. and employs
even more lodges than the fox. For In
stance. when the hunters ar. pressing close
on the game and It would seem that the
dogs Were about to capture 1t. the bird
takes advantage of the least breath of air.
raises one wing slightly. using II as a sail.
ani running slantwise against the breeze.
vanishes from sight like Il leaf in a whirl-
wind Ii by any chance the breeze dies out
and TIE hunters again feel sure OF their
ostrich the latter doubles like fox. and
quickly and suddenly that the dogs pass
beyond. making the hunt long drawn out,
difficult and exciting.
Though game laws have been passed pro-
hihiting the killing of ostriches during the
breeding season. little. II any. attention is
paid to them. 1t is estimated that from
500 900 to 501T-l birds are slaughtered
r,.ally. a number which has not only
thinnad out tn. species to q great extent.
but promises in time to extinSuiSh IL alto
eetner. he only remedy for this in a cOun-
1,y where law is ineffective would b" 10
tahlish ostrict farms similar 20 those in
Africa and California.
Nor is the ostrich hunted for It's feathers
alone Its flesh is agreeable. somewhat re-
ssmhlinS mutton. and an onelette made of
the eggs or rather several Omelettes made
of one egg possess "a delicious flavor. Con-
.eq;iently egg hunting is almost as much of
a sport az ostrich hunting. several hens
Law in one nest which sometimes holds
from twelve TO twenty-five eggs. The cock
often matches the eggs. and If disturbed
during the operation becomes very danger
Gus. not hesitating 70 attack with his legs
a man on horseback.