The Giraffe 509 



the small hills of a low range running east and west, we found our- 

 selves in a vast undulating plain, covered with a low, rather broad-leaved 

 tree, the highest of which did not exceed zo feet. The surface of the 

 country was cut up by a few dry river-beds, in some of which we found 

 good water-holes, and the nature of the soil was generally sandy. After a 

 few days spent here we saw the first giraffes ; two of them were evidently 

 cows from their colour. This stalk was, however, spoilt by jealousy on the 

 shikari's part. The next giraffes we saw were a small herd, one bull, a 

 splendid dark chocolate-coloured fellow, two cows and two or three calves, 

 not half grown ; the bull appeared to stand a good deal higher at the 

 shoulder, and also in entire height, than the cows, and altogether appeared 

 a much heavier, stronger, and larger animal. The wind was light and 

 shifty, making the stalk, over ground offering very little cover, by no 

 means easy ; but anyhow, whether from this or other causes, we again, to 

 our great regret, failed to achieve success. The giraffe, when alarmed, 

 went away in a heavy lumbering gallop, but at a great pace. 



We were greatly handicapped in this country, both after giraffe and 

 elephant, in not having ponies with us. 



This same evening a cow was killed, the description of which has been 

 given above. Having no native of that particular part of the country with 

 us, we were unable to find out many points of interest. 



Time and sickness were pressing us with heavy hands, and we were 

 forced to leave this happy hunting-ground with a great deal of useful 

 knowledge ungained. M> R FpiNCH _ 



Western Race (Giraffa camelopardalis peraltd) 



Of this race — if it can yet be said to be truly established — very little is 

 known. In 1897 a y oun g ma l e was shot at the junction of Benue and 

 Niger rivers by the late Lieutenant R. Hume-M'Quorquodale. This is a 



