Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 July 1901 — "Corbett"—A Saddle Ostrich. [ARTICLE]

"Corbett"—A Saddle Ostrich.

Down in Florida they have an ostrich farm which Is a decidedly interesting place to visit. The star feature Is “Corbett,” an ostrich, which has been broken to the saddle. This wiry bird weighs somewhere around 250 pounds, and, with neck erect, stands about eight feet high. His rider keeps his seat by firmly grasping the two wings of the bird. The gait of the ostrich Is a lumbering sort of dog trot, which becomes delightfully easy when the bird Is traveling fast. Unhampered wtth a rider and traveling with the wind, this muscular creature can outstrip any horse. The ostrich is as feroclouß as he Is stupid, and his keeper has to exercise constant care, for one kick from this untamable creature is almost certain death. He strikes straight out, and with hls claws can tear a man to ribbons. Ostriches swallow their food without chewing, and If you wish to demonstrate this, feed him half a dozen oranges in rapid succession. You will plainly sec a series of bulges In hls neck as they go down.—New York Sun.