190 THE REASON WHY : 



&quot; A herd of goafs, each shining morn, 

 Midst scraggy myrtle, pointed thorn, 

 Quick glancing, to the sun display d 

 Their spotted sides, and pierced the shade.&quot; WHITEHEAD. 



565. Why does the lion generally attack the giraffe while the 

 latter is drinking ? 



Because at such times, the head being depressed, the giraffe 

 caiinot see the approach of an enemy ; and its fore-legs being 

 widely spread, so that its head may reach the water, the animal is 

 then in a very helpless position. 



566. The lion lies in wait, usually in the morning, at some place near a stream, 

 and in a situation somewhat elevated over its intended prey. There the lion 

 waits in concealment the approach of his intended victim. As soon as th&amp;lt; 

 giraffe puts down its head to drink, all the advantage which its prominent eye givet, 

 it when the neck is elevated is gone. In this situation the lion springs, and fastens 

 upon its back ; and although the giraffe bounds off with terrific speed, the weight o \ 

 the lion, and the pain of laceration, bring him to the ground. 



567. Why is it imagined that goats, kept in stables with 

 horses, improve the health of the latter ? 



This is one of those popular fancies which, seemingly absurd 

 at first, are found upon reflection to have some foundation. All 

 animals are kf.pt in better temper and greater cheerfulness by the 

 presence of a companion, than in solitude ; and the active and 

 good-humoured goat may, in this way, really perform the benefit 

 which has been attributed to it upon mistaken grounds.* 



568. Why can goats subsist upon vegetables that are noxious, 

 or even poisonous, to other animals ? 



This is probably a part of the great creative scheme, to provide 

 for the comsumption, and the keeping within necessary limits, those 

 species of vegetables which having their special utilities, would 

 acquire an undue preponderance if not kept in check. 



569. In feeding, goats are very indiscriminate, and many plants which are not only 

 shunned by other ruminating animals, but act as poison to them, are not only eaten 

 with impunity, but relished by them. There have been instances in which tame 

 goats have chewed tobacco ; and, in the wild state, they eat the most bitter and 

 Aarcotio plants, such as euphorbium, hemlock, henbane, and e\en digitalie, without 



Bell s &quot; British Quadrupeds H 



