118 NATURAL HISTORY. 



"In the case of the Giraffe, which is invariably met with 

 among venerable forests, where innumerable blasted and 

 weather-beaten trunks and stems occur, I have repeatedly 

 been in doubt as to the presence of them, until I had recourse 

 to my spy-glass ; and on referring the case to my savage 

 attendants I have known even their optics to fail, at one time 

 mistaking these dilapidated trunks for camelopards, and again 

 confounding real camelopards with these aged veterans of the 

 forest."* 



The movements of the Giraffe arc very peculiar, the limbs 

 of each side appearing to act together. . It is very swift, and 

 can outrun a horse, especially if it can get among broken ground 

 and rocks, over which it leaps with a succession of frog-like 

 hops. 



It endures the climate *)f England very well. In the Zoo- 

 logical Gardens in London are several Giraffes which were 

 born and bred in that country. They seem very healthy and 

 are exceedingly tame, examining the hands of their visitors, and 

 following them round the enclosure. They eat herbs, such as 

 grass, hay, carrots, and onions. "When cut grass is given to 

 them, they eat off the upper parts and leave the coarse 

 stems. 



OF THE GIRAFFE. 



THE CAMEL. 



There is much confusion about the names of the Camels. 

 The BACTRIAN CAMEL is distinguished by bearing two humps 

 on its back, the ARABIAN CAMEL by bearing only one. The 

 Arabian camel is sometimes, but erroneously, called the Dro- 

 medary, as the Dromedary or El-Heirie is a lighter variety of 

 that animal, arid only used when despatch is required. 



* Cumming's Adventures. 



