Tales out of school

by Frank R. Stockton

TWO EXTREMES.

The ostrich is the largest bird known to exist in the world. Its body is rather small in proportion to the length of its neck and its legs. The latter are very large and strong. The wings and tail are short, and the feathers are extremely beautiful.

For these feathers they are hunted; but their speed is so great that it is impossible for the swiftest horse to overtake them. The European hunters shoot them, and the native Africans have various expedients for entrapping them. They can run from a hunter as fast as the fleet-footed antelope.

It is said, that, on being pursued, the birds become very much frightened, and hide their heads in the sand, thinking that no one can see them, because they themselves cannot see, and that many are run down and captured in this way. But this account has been contradicted by travelers, and it is not at all probable that so sprightly-looking a bird is so very stupid.

The wings of the ostrich are not intended for flight, but they assist it in running. The bird cannot fly at all. If it could there would be no use for such prodigious legs as it has.

But the ostrich can run! It is estimated that one of these giant birds at full speed, travels at the rate of thirty miles an hour, which is as fast as most locomotives go! But then the bird gets tired after awhile, and the locomotive does not. The ostrich, however, can travel a very long distance before it gives out from fatigue.

It is a magnificent-looking bird when it is traveling over its native sands at full speed, with its head proudly erect; its bright eyes gleaming, its wings outspread, and its feet twinkling over the sand so fast you can scarcely see them.

OSTRICHES IN FLIGHT.

In a public garden in Paris there is a fine ostrich, which is very gentle, and good-natured. He allows himself to be harnessed to a carriage, in which little children ride about the grounds. He is not permitted to go very fast, as he would not keep in the road in that case; but a keeper walks by his side to regulate his gait; and one of the children acts as driver, holding the reins, which are passed around the lower part of the bird’s neck.