37 
THE GIRAFFE. 
are its hoofs, with which it kicks and strikes in every direc¬ 
tion, 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 
common with many of the order to which it belongs, but are 
composed of solid bone, covered with skin like the remainder 
of the skull. 
