40 THE WILDERNESS AND JUNGLE 



open plains. Were it driven into forest land, 

 it would break its neck against low branches. 

 The climbing powers of the squirrels and 

 monkeys would be wasted in the plains, so we 

 find them only in the jungle. The keen sight 

 of the vulture is baffled by dense foliage, and 

 the bird soars over open country suited to its 

 strongest sense. The elephant's trunk and the 

 long neck and tongue of the giraffe are clearly 

 adapted to stripping branches of their leaves. 

 Whether these striking types were so created 

 from the beginning, seeking the kind of environ- 

 ment in which they were best qualified to find 

 their food, or whether the elephant developed 

 its trunk, and the giraffe stretched its neck, as 

 circumstances demanded, is a matter of opinion. 

 Each view has its supporters confident of their 

 own case. The wisest man is he who is least 

 sure. 



