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35 
THE GIRAFFE. 
a short distance, but their powers of endurance, or “ bottom,” 
as horsemen term it, not being proportionate, they soon settle 
down to a lesser rate of speed. The weapons of the Giraffe are 
its hoofs, with which it kicks and strikes in every direction, 
dealing powerful and dangerous blows. It is a very timid 
animal, however, keeping a careful lookout from its tall head, 
erected like a watch-tower, high in the air, and when startled 
by the approach of an enemy at once seeks safety in flight. 
It is a ruminant, closely related to the antelopes. The 
horns, or protuberances on the head, are not shed, as is 
