The Giraffe 491 



been stated that specimens have been killed with such a peculiarity, I have 

 not yet heard of one being produced. 



In habits the northern giraffe does not differ from its relative. It 

 may possibly be somewhat smaller, for the height of the full-grown males 

 I have shot averaged about 16 feet, that of the cows 14 feet ; and though 

 I have not found these dimensions exceeded, respectively, in any of the 

 southern specimens of either sex I have myself killed anywhere, I have 



form). Photographed by Lord Dels 

 to the north of Gwaso Nyiro. 



read in the accounts of other hunters of considerably taller animals being 

 obtained in parts of South Africa. 



As a rule the giraffe prefers rather open bush country. It is particularly 

 plentiful in the neighbourhood of the Gwaso Nyiro River, a little north of 

 Kenia, where the character of the country appears just suited to its wants ; 

 and I have there seen very large herds (containing forty or fifty or more 

 individuals) on both sides of the river. Occasionally, though, giraffes are 

 found in pretty thick bush— I have come upon them in such situations a 

 little north of the Tana River, and sometimes elsewhere— and in these 

 instances it is wonderful to see how such ungainly creatures can gallop 



