2 MAY 1896, Page 16

THE GAUCHOS AND THE OSTRICH.

[TO THE EDITOR 07 THE SPECTATOR."] SIR,—In your review on Mr. Spears's book, "The Gold-Dig- gings of Cape Horn," in the Spectator of April 25th, I see that it is asserted that the Gauchos call ostrich-hunting "the wild mirth of the desert." This is not so. The phrase is generally used by them in reference to the ostrich itself. Applied to the bird, it is a beautiful and wild simile. Applied to the chase, it is only worthy of a " sheep-man " of Gallegas, as described by Mr. Spew s.—I am, Sir, &,c ,