There are few sights more pleasing than a herd of tall, graceful
giraffes. With their heads reaching a height of from twelve to eighteen
feet, they move about in small herds on the open plains of Africa,
eating the tender twigs and leaves of the mimosa and other trees.
[Illustration]
The legs of a large giraffe are about nine feet long and its neck
nearly six feet; while its body measures only seven feet in length and
slopes rapidly from the neck to the tail. The graceful appearance of
the giraffe is increased by the beauty of its skin, which is orange red
in color, and mottled with dark spots. Its long tail has at the end a
tuft of thick hair, which serves the purpose of keeping off the flies
and stinging insects, so plentiful in the hot climate of Africa.
Its tongue is very wonderful. It is from thirteen to seventeen inches
in length, is slender and pointed, and is capable of being moved in so
many ways, that it is almost as useful to the giraffe as the trunk is
to the elephant.
The horns of the giraffe are very short and covered with skin. At
the ends there are tufts of short hair. The animal has divided hoofs
somewhat resembling those of the ox.
The head of the giraffe is small, and its eyes large and mild looking.
These eyes are set in such a way that the animal can see a great deal
of what is behind it, without turning its head. In addition to its
wonderful power of sight, the giraffe can scent danger from a great
distance; so that there is no animal more difficult of approach.
Strange to relate, the giraffe has no voice. In London, some years ago,
two giraffes were burned to death in their stables, when the slightest
sound would have given notice of their danger, and have saved their
lives.
The giraffe is naturally both gentle and timid, and he will always try
to avoid danger by flight. It is when running that he exposes his only
ungraceful point. He runs swiftly, but since he moves his fore and
hind legs on each side at the same time, the movement gives him a very
awkward gait. But though timid, he will, when overtaken, turn even upon
the lion or panther, and defend himself successfully by powerful kicks
with his strong legs.
The natives of Africa capture the giraffe in pitfalls, which are deep
holes covered over with branches of trees and dirt. When captured, the
giraffe can be tamed, and during its captivity it gives scarcely any
trouble.
Fifty years ago, but little was known about the giraffe in America or
Europe. Now it is to be found in menageries and the public gardens
of large cities. The giraffe thrives in captivity and seems to be
well satisfied with a diet of corn and hay. It is a source of great
satisfaction to those who admire this beautiful animal, that there is
nothing to prevent it from living in a climate so different from that
of its African home.