CHAP, xix THE GIRAFFE 327 



distance, that appeared like a decayed relic of the forest, until 

 upon nearer approach I have been struck by the peculiar inclina- 

 tion of the trunk ; suddenly it has started into movement, and 

 disappeared ! The giraffe seldom holds itself quite upright, except 

 at such moments when its attention is attracted to some object at 

 a distance. 



It is most difficult to approach, as its large eyes, at an elevation 

 of 18 or 19 feet from the surface, embrace an extensive field of 

 vision ; but when found in a forest of large trees, it is occasionally 

 met with unexpectedly. The Hamran Arabs invariably pursue it 

 upon horseback, and hamstring the animal with a stroke of the long 

 straight sword. When dealing with the Arabs in the purchase 

 of horses, they invariably declare that the animal for sale can 

 "overtake a giraffe"; this is the highest commendation. 



Riding down a giraffe would be easily accomplished by a good 

 English hunter, but not so easily by the small horses of the Soudan, 

 that are seldom weight-carriers, and are hardly adapted to carry 

 anything above 11 stone over broken ground. There is only one 

 rule for following a giraffe, the horse must be pressed at its best 

 speed from the moment that the animal is sighted. If you allow 

 the game any leisure, it will appear to be going easily, but it will 

 keep up that pace for hours ; on the other hand, if you commence 

 with the spur, you obtain a good position early in the race, and 

 you will then be surprised at the speed when you eventually close 

 with your game. Care is necessary to keep a little upon one side, 

 as the giraffe rushes madly through opposing tree-stems and over- 

 hanging boughs, which may spring backwards and inflict a serious 

 injury upon horse and rider. 



The cloven hoof of a giraffe is a beautiful specimen of horn ; it 

 is shaped with extreme elegance, like that of a deer upon a colossal 

 scale. When at full speed over stony ground, the wide-spreading 

 hoofs send showers of pebbles flying backwards, which have been 

 known to injure the hunter when following exactly in the rear : 

 this has given rise to the absurd belief that "the giraffe pelts its 

 pursuer purposely with stones." Care must also be taken when 

 closing with the animal to avoid its hind legs, as it will kick when 

 least expected, with such force as to upset horse and rider. 



The skin of the giraffe is highly prized for shields, as it is much 

 lighter than that of the buffalo or rhinoceros ; at the same time it 

 is peculiarly tough, and, when dry, it resists both lance and sword. 

 The Arabs hunt this inoffensive animal expressly for the hide ; at 

 the same time, they preserve the flesh by cutting it into thongs 

 and hanging it upon the bushes until thoroughly sun-dried. 



