RUMINANTIA. 195 



moves two legs on each side at the same time, but when put in 

 motion, it can, for a while, keep a horse at a pretty smart gallop. 

 The lamented Anderson says, in his "Lake Ngami," "It is a 

 curious sight, a troop of Giraffes at full speed, balancing them- 

 selves to and fro in a manner not easily described ; and whisking, 

 at regular intervals, from side to side, their tails, tufted at the 

 end, while their long and tapering necks, swaying backward 

 and forward, follow the motion of their bodies. They are so 

 long-winded, that a swift horse seldom overtakes them under less 

 than two or three miles." The author of the "Menageries" 

 remarks, "Until the year 1827, when a Giraffe appeared in 

 England, and one in France, the animal had not been seen in 

 Europe since the 15th century, when the Soldan of Egypt sent 

 one to Lorenzo De Medici, which was familiar to the inhabit- 

 ants of Florence, where it was accustomed to walk at ease about 

 the streets, stretching its long neck to the balconies, and first 

 floors, for apples and other fruits, upon which it delighted to 

 feed." In 1836, four Giraffes were introduced into England by 

 the Zoological Society, at an expense of between eleven and 

 twelve thousand dollars. One of them soon died ; but the others 

 lived, and one of the females had several young ones, which 

 were sold and taken to different parts of the world. In our own 

 country, the Camelopard is often exhibited. The animal, it is 

 said, is often seen in a tame state, it Grand Cairo, in Egypt, and 

 is found figured in the sculptured remains of that country. 

 Pompey the Great exhibited in the theatre, ten of these ani- 

 mals, which he had brought from the scenes of his military 

 enterprise. His rival, Julius Caesar, also exhibited them. After 

 him, several Roman Emperors showed them in the public games 

 and processions. All these were probably obtained from the 

 northern or north-eastern part of the African Continent, and by 

 way of Egypt. 



What is said of the structure of the Camelopards? How many varieties 

 and where found? What are the general characters of this animal ? What 

 its size? How is its long neck supported? Are its hind legs really shorter 

 than its fore legs ? What compensation is referred to ? What aids it to 

 reach high branches? What is said of the tongue? Has this animal 

 horns? Why are they imperfect? What provision is noticed by Professor 

 Owen? How do the varieties differ in color? How do the eyes of the 

 Giraffe assist him in self-defence? What is the remark of Anderson? 

 What more is said? 



What is said on the chart of its size ? 





