but in consequence of the arrival of "The Grecian " man-ofwar, then cruising off the west coast, it was postponed till the next day. As the schooner gradually disappeared from view, I began to feel in full force the loneliness of my situation, and the loss of my friend's company. It would seem that the farther the object of our esteem and regard is separated from us, the better we are able to appreciate its value. Galton's excellent disposition, and even temper, had enabled us to struggle through all difficulties very happily together; and it was, therefore, with sincere regret that I parted from him. I whispered a prayer for his safe return to the bosom of his family. It was heard; for, though the passage proved of long duration, he reached England in safety, after an absence of two years.

Not long subsequently to his return, the Royal Geographical Society, I was happy to learn, bestowed upon him their gold medal, as a reward for his services in the cause of science.

CHAPTER XX.

CAPTURE OF YOUNG OSTRICHES-NATURAL HISTORY OF THE OSTRICH ; WHERE FOUND; DESCRIPTION OF; SIZE; WEIGHT; AGE; VOICE; STRENGTH; SPEED; FOOD; WATER; BREEDING; INCUBATION; CUNNING; STONES FOUND IN EGGS; CHICKS; FLESH-BRAIN IN REQUEST AMONGST THE ROMANS-EGGS HIGHLY PRIZED-USES OF EGG-SHELLS -FEATHERS AN ARTICLE OF COMMERCE-OSTRICH PARASOLS-THE BIRD'S DESTRUCTIVE PROPENSITIES-HABITS—RESEMBLES QUADRUPEDS-DOMESTICATION-THE CHASE-SNARES-INGENIOUS DEVICEENEMIES OF THE OSTRICH.

OSTRICHES are at all times more or less numerous on the Naarip Plain, but more particularly so at this season, on account of the naras (of which, mention was made in the second chapter) being now ripe.

Whilst waiting for the missionary vessel, previously to the departure of Mr. Galton, I made several trips between the Bay and Scheppmansdorf, in order to arrange matters for my intended journey to the Ngami. On one of these occasions I was accompained by my friend. When we had proceeded little more than half the distance, and in a part of the plain entirely destitute of vegetation, we discovered a male and female ostrich with a brood of young ones about the size of ordinary barn-door fowls. This was a sight we had

254

MANOEUVRES OF THE OLD BIRD.

long been looking for, as Galton had been requested by Professor Owen to procure a few craniums of the young of this bird, in order to settle certain anatomical questions. Accordingly, we forthwith dismounted from our oxen, and gave chase, which proved of no ordinary interest.

The moment the parent birds became aware of our intention, they set off at full speed-the female leading the way, the young following in her wake, and the cock, though at some little distance, bringing up the rear of the familyparty. It was very touching to observe the anxiety the old birds evinced for the safety of their progeny. Finding that we were quickly gaining upon them, the male at once slackened his pace, and diverged somewhat from his course; but, seeing that we were not to be diverted from our purpose, he again increased his speed, and, with wings drooping so as almost to touch the ground, he hovered round us, now in wide circles, and then decreasing the circumference till he came almost within pistol-shot, when he abruptly threw himself on the ground, and struggled desperately to regain his legs, as it appeared, like a bird that has been badly wounded. Having previously fired at him, I really thought he was disabled, and made quickly towards him. But this was only a ruse on his part; for, on my nearer approach, he slowly rose and began to run in an opposite direction to that of the female, who by this time was considerably a-head with her charge.

After about an hour's severe chase, we secured nine of the brood; and though it consisted of about double that number, we found it necessary to be contented with what we had bagged.1

On returning to the Bay, however, the next morning in a

'The lithograph facing this chapter is a faithful representation of the chase described, which took place shortly before sunset.