THE GIRAFFE. 



Giraffes feeding. 



Giraffe surprised by Hunters. 



The head of the Giraffe is small. Its nostrils are surrounded by many strong hairs, and can be shut up 

 so as to prevent the entrance of the sandy particles which the suffocating storms of the desert raise in 

 fiery clouds. Its eyes are large, with mild expression, and are so placed, that the animal can see not only 

 on all sides, but even behind, rendering it next to impossible for an enemy to approach undiscovered. 

 The horns of the Giraffe are curious and singular, being unlike those of any other horned quadruped. They 

 seem to form a part of the skull, and consist of two porous substances, about three inches long, and crowned 

 with a tuft of stiff upright hair. The tongue of the Giraffe is an extraordinary instrument. It is slender 

 and pointed, and can be stretched out to a surprising length, and in this state, is capable of being wound 

 around twigs or branches, and of drawing them to the mouth. The natural food of the Giraffe is the leaves, 

 blossom-;, and tender shoots of the camel-thorn whose lofty and branchy top, the great length of the animal's 

 neck enables it to reach easily. 



The height of the male Giraffe to the top of the head is about sixteen feet ; That of the female is a little 

 less. The general color is fawn-white, marked regularly and rather closely with large angular spots of 

 chocolate-color. • fc 



The long flexible neck of the Giraffe, is provided with a short mane. The tail is rather long, slender, 

 and tufted at the end with long coarse black hairs. The fore-knees are remarkably large, and when about, 

 to lie down, the animal sinks upon them, and assumes an attitude that does not appear to be by any means easy 

 or graceful. 



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