THE GIRAFFE 291 



Generally speaking, the bull Giraffe is much darker than the cow, 

 and old females are considerably darker than young ones. 



The gait of Giraffes when walking quietly is most graceful ; it 

 will be observed on watching it that both legs on the same side are 

 moved together. When pressed, however, they break into a very 

 awkward gallop, with their long necks rocking to and fro, and their 

 brush-tipped tails raised erect over their backs, while they straddle 

 their hind-legs so much that it is dangerous to ride close alongside 

 for fear of receiving an involuntary kick. The Giraffe also can and 

 does kick deliberately, but no one seems to have observed the wild 

 animal do what tame ones undoubtedly practise — deliver a swinging 

 blow with the horns, which, blunt as they are, are formidable weapons 

 with the leverage of the long heavy neck. Owing to the Giraffe's long 

 stride, it travels at a pace which gives a horseman much trouble to 

 get on terms with it, and in spite of its height it manages to get 

 through a wood in a most remarkable manner. 



The meat of a young cow in good condition is very good indeed, 

 and keeps for a long time, but the old bull smells so terribly strong 

 that it is difficult to remain in his vicinity, let alone eat any of him, 

 though opinions vary as to the precise description of odour he emits. 

 The hide, which is extremely thick, is of value for making whips ; but, 

 taking it on the whole, there is very little reason for destroying this 

 uniquely beautiful and absolutely harmless animal. One point to be 

 noted about it is that it is one of the few beasts which are absolutely 

 mute, for no one seems to have heard a Giraffe utter a sound under 

 any circumstances. 



The Giraffe has been known in captivity for a very long period, as 

 the Romans used to exhibit it in the brutal shows wherein whole 

 Zoological Gardens were massacred in the arena. In post-classical times 

 it became almost forgotten, and it was not till 1836 that the first 

 specimen reached our Zoological Society's Gardens. Here Giraffes have 

 done remarkably well, and bred quite freely, though they cannot be Called 

 very hardy animals. Their transport is also naturally rather difficult, 

 but I have seen one in good condition in Barnum's travelling show. 



