The Giraffe 495 



lofty necks of a herd towering above a sea of bush, with the early morning 

 sun full upon them, standing out conspicuously under its brightening rays 

 against the background of dark green. 



Where there are isolated conical hills, such as are called koppies in 

 South Africa, it is often possible, by climbing one and from that com- 

 manding position scanning the country round, to see giraffe, if there are 

 many in the locality, perhaps two or three miles away. Their prominent 

 height makes them conspicuous objects from such a point of vantage, 

 particularly in low scrub, such as they often frequent, which their towering 

 forms dominate and upon which they look down, browsing with bowed necks. 



I do not think that lions very often succeed in killing these animals, 

 defenceless though they be ; and when they do, I believe it is generally a 

 solitary giraffe (individuals of either sex are often seen alone) that has been 

 surprised and pulled down by a party of lions. 



I am not aware that the giraffe has any special breeding season. The 

 young calves are wonderfully fleet — far more nimble than the adult animals. 



These creatures of course feed exclusively upon the leaves, tender 

 shoots, and sometimes the seed-pods of trees and shrubs. Although they 

 undoubtedly do drink sometimes, they are certainly able to go for consider- 

 able periods without water, and are found in the driest country long 

 distances away from any possible drinking-place. 



Tick-birds — the same that so generally accompany the rhinoceros — 

 often visit them, and it is curious to see these little guests running up and 

 down their long necks, clinging to their sides and bellies, or sitting con- 

 tentedly upon their heads while emitting their soft, querulous chirruping. 



I have never heard giraffe make any sound, nor have I heard or read 

 anywhere that their cry, if they have one, has ever been noticed. 



I have often been asked whether the giraffe and other large animals are 

 not almost exterminated in Africa. The idea that this is so, has no doubt 

 been spread in this country by the writings of those familiar only with 



