THE NORTHERN GIRAFFE. 



" Nabun ^thiopes vocant," says Pliny of the 

 northern giraffe, " collo similem equo, pedibus et 

 cruribus bovi, camelo capite, albis maculis rutilum 

 colorem distenguentibus, unde appellata camelo- 

 pardalis." 



The above quotation indicates a Roman natur- 

 alist's method of describing a new species ; the 

 individual thus noticed by Pliny being the property 

 of Julius Caesar, and the first example which 

 had ever been brought alive to Europe. 

 Although modern zoologists will hardly agree with 

 Pliny's statement that the giraffe's neck is like that 

 of a horse, nevertheless its feet and legs do some- 

 what resemble those of a bull, and its head that 

 of a camel, whilst its ruddy coat, diversified with 

 white, amply justifies the old name of camelopard. 

 Having thus noticed this early attempt at a 

 scientific description, the external characters 

 common to all giraffes may here be conveniently 

 enumerated. 



The tallest of all quadrupeds, owing to the great 

 length of the neck and legs, these animals are 

 remarkable also for the great elevation of the 

 withers, which since the back slopes gradually 

 downwards to the rump, causes the forelegs to 

 appear much longer than the hind ones. For this 

 reason also the body, although very narrow across 



