[Illustration: GIRAFFE.]
This tribe consists of a single genus, that of the Giraffe, which has
also but one species.
The height of the Giraffe, the singular proportions of its body, the
beauty of its coat and the peculiarity of its gait, are sufficient to
explain the curiosity which these animals have always excited.
Its long and tapering head is lighted up by two large, animated and
gentle eyes; its forehead is adorned with two horns, which consist of a
porous, bony substance, covered externally with a thick skin and bristly
hair. In the middle of the forehead there is a protuberance of the same
nature as the horns, but wider and shorter. The head of the Giraffe is
supported by a very long neck. Along the neck is a short, thin mane. The
body is short, and the line of the backbone is very sloping. Its
fore-quarters are higher than the hinder—a feature which is observed in
the Hyena. Its legs are most extensively developed, and are terminated
by cloven hoofs. The skin, which is of a very light fawn-color, is
covered with short hair, marked with large triangular or oblong spots of
a darker shade.
Giraffes are only found in Africa, and even there they are not numerous.
They live in families of from twelve to sixteen members. They frequent
the verge of the deserts, and are met with from the northern limits of
Cape Colony to Nubia.
The usual pace of the Giraffe is an amble, that is to say, they move
both their legs on one side at the same time. Their mode of progression
is singular and very ungainly. At the same time as they move their body,
their long neck is stretched forward, giving them a very awkward
appearance. Their long neck enables them to reach with their tongue the
leaves on the tops of high shrubs, which constitute a large part of
their food.