GIRAFFES. 



685 



The singular height of this animal is entirely in accordance with its habits and its 

 mode of acquiring food. As the creature is accustomed to feed upon the leaves of trees, 

 it must necessarily be of very considerable stature to be able to reach the leaves on which 

 it browses, and must also be possessed of organs by means of which it can select and 



GIRAFFE. Giraffa Camelopardalis. 



gather such portions of the foliage as may suit its palate. The former object is gained 

 by the great length of the neck and legs, and the latter by the wonderful development 

 of the tongue, which is so marvellously formed that it is capable of a considerable amount 

 of prehensile power, and can be elongated or contracted in a very wonderful manner. 



