201 x 150 mm Showing ostriches grazing in a large field sown probably with alfalfa, with farm buildings in the background and mountains beyond. Valued for their plumage, ostriches were extensively hunted in the early days and stocks were seriously depleted by the 1860's. The earliest recorded attempts at domesticating these birds date from around 1853 and from 1865 the industry grew rapidly, centred mainly around Graaff-Reinet. There were immense profts to be made and at the height of the trade a breeding pair would fetch several hundred pounds. Two great booms took place in the industry, in 1880-1885 and 1910-1913, but the market was largely destroyed by the First World War when much of the stock was destroyed for leather.