Page:Babyhood of Wild Beasts.djvu/288

232 ground. The neck contains only seven vertebræ. Each one is elongated. The legs are long and slender; the feet are cloven hooves. A short, thin mane decorates the stovepipe neck and there is a callosity (a callous) on the breast. The hair of the Nubian giraffe is short, smooth and fawn colour, decked with dark, rusty spots.

The pace is a gallop, the hind feet reaching ahead and astride of the fore feet. The giraffe is so tall and unyielding it is compelled to straddle the fore legs to drink or graze. It is a comical sight, I assure you, to see this long fellow take a drink. The tongue is very long (about 17 inches) and very flexible.

The Somali giraffe is smaller and of a deep red colour, marked by a coarse network of fine white lines.

The giraffe is inoffensive, timid and a clean animal. They are among the rarest and most valuable animals in captivity. They thrive well with proper care and are affectionate. They belong to a distinct family of ruminants (cud-chewing animals) called Giraffadæ. The Giraffe and the Okapi are the only members of this family.