204 



MR. R. LYDEKKER ON THE 



[Feb. 2 



been able to obtain any clue. It is, however, quite certain that 

 there must be .some good reason for the change, and it is largely 

 in the hope that the facts recorded in this communication may 

 help to solve the problem that I have brought them to the notice 

 of the Society. As I have stated on previous occasions, the mere 

 description of local colour-phases of animals is, in my opinion, a 

 waste of energy unless it lead to some general conclusion in regard 

 to the reason foi- such modifications. 



Another noteworthy feature in connection with coloration is 

 that whereas some of the northern forms of Giraife have the front 

 of the face more or less feebly spotted, in the southern forms it is 

 always luiiformly coloured. 



At present I am able to recognise the following forms of 

 Giraffe, the typical distributional areas of wliich are indicated on 

 the accompanying map : — 



A. Netted 

 B. 



<'- ^t 



peral*a. — b^ 



a n go lens 



capensis 



Map of Africa, showing distribution of Giraffes. 



* I reserve tlie point as to wliethtr a transition between this and the next ma}' 

 not exist. 



