GIRAFFE. 



33* 



are present in both sexes, making their appearance even before birth. They are 

 erect, subcorneal processes of bone, which at first are entirely separate from the 

 bones of the skull, although in later life completely uniting with them. They are 

 thus essentially different from the horn-cores of the oxen and their allies, from 

 which they are likewise distinguished by being invested with skin instead of 

 horn ; while, as we shall see in the next chapter, they are equally distinct from 

 the antlers of the deer. With 

 the exception that they are 

 at first separate bones, in- 

 stead of part and parcel of 

 the skull, they appear on the 

 whole to come nearest to 

 the horn-cores of the prong- 

 buck, which, as already 

 mentioned, are coated with 

 a hairy skin beneath the 

 deciduous horny sheath. In 

 addition to these paired 

 horns, there is a dome-like 

 bony protuberance occupy- 

 ing the middle line of the 

 skull between the eyes, 

 which is frequently referred 

 to as the third horn. The 

 position and relations of 

 these three appendages of 

 the skull are well indicated 

 in our figure of the giraffe's 

 skeleton. 



The skull of the giraffe 

 is further characterised by 

 the great elevation of the 

 forehead and face above the 

 level of the eyes, this being 

 due to the development of a 

 number of air-cells in the 

 bones. There is also a large 

 unossified space immediately 

 below the ej-e. As regards 

 the teeth, those of the upper 

 cheek-series are remarkable 



for the lowness and breadth of their crowns, and the roughness of the enamel with 

 which they are invested; while there are no canines in the upper jaw. 



Reverting to the consideration of the external characteristics of the giraffe, we 

 note that the ears are large and pointed, and that the large and slit-like nostrils 

 can be completely closed at the will of their owner. Moreover, the tongue is 



GIRAKKES AT A POOL. 



