GIRAFFE. 307 



The general pace of the Camelopardi, on being 

 pursued, is a very brisk trot ; so rapid, that a 

 horse cannot without difficulty overtake it. 



These animals are sometimes seen in small 

 groupes, to the number of six or seven together, 

 and when disturbed run off with great celerity. 

 When seen in front, at some little distance, the 

 animal might be mistaken for a decayed tree, and 

 thus be easily passed by without particular notice. 



The Camelopardi was known to the ancient 

 Romans, and was first exhibited, according to 

 Pliny, in the Circsean games by Caesar the Dicta- 

 tor. It was afterwards more frequently introduced, 

 and we are told, that in the time of the Emperor 

 Gordian no less than ten were exhibited at once. 

 Aurelian also exhibited it among other remarkable 

 animals in his triumph on the conquest of Pal- 

 myra. It is represented, among other rare ani- 

 mals, on the Prasnestine pavement, made by the 

 direction of Sylla, and is expressed both in its 

 grazing and brousing attitudes. In later times 

 it appears to have been brought into Europe about 

 the year 1559, when the Sultan of Babylon is said 

 to have sent one as a present to Fridericus GEno- 

 barbus. Emperor of Germany. Another was sent 

 by the King or Dey of Tunis to Laurent i us de 

 IMedicis, in whose possession it was seen by Poli- 

 tian. These latter anecdotes are on the authority 

 of Gesner and Aldrovandus. 



Soipc writers insist that it is a gallop rather than a trot. 



