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. [Illustration: 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. But, you may say, the ostrich is indeed very large, but it is not so very much like a bird, because it cannot fly. The ostrich is certainly a bird; but, if you insist upon it that a bird must fly, we will take a look at the condor, and see how large he is. He is intended for flight, you see, and has short legs, and long powerful wings. He is swifter on the wing than the ostrich on his feet, and will take a steady flight for miles without weariness. He has a large body to carry through the air, but, though large, it is light, and his wings are enormous. A large full-grown condor, with its wings spread, measures from twelve to fourteen feet from tip to tip of the wings; and nine feet is the measure of very ordinary specimens. It lives on the highest peaks of the Andes mountains in South America; and builds its nests on crags that are inaccessible to man. It cares nothing for snow and ice, nor for the great tempests of wind that sweep over these lofty summits. Among these cold, desolate rocks it makes its nest, and rears a hardy brood of young ones. When it wants food for its family, it perches upon a jutting rock, and sends its piercing glance far down into the cultivated valleys below. When it has singled out an object it comes down with a swift, grand swoop of its wings, and strikes its prey with unerring aim.