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Page 36
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 various
ways. 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 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 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 as he moves the fore and hind legs on each side at
the same time, it gives him a very displeasing and 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, he
can be tamed, and gives scarcely any trouble during captivity.
Fifty years ago, but little was known about giraffes in Europe or
America. Now we can find them in menageries and the public gardens of
our 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 no reason which prevents him
from living in a climate so different from that of his African home.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Write statements containing each of the following
words, used in such a manner as to show their proper meaning: _feet,
feat; red, read; fore, four; gait, gate_.
Model.--
We are coming to _see_ you to-morrow.
He stood watching the ships sailing on the _sea_.
* * * * *
LESSON XIX.
ex pert', _skillful_.
ad vise', _offer advice; give notice of what has happened_.
civ'il ized, _having laws, learning, and good manners_.
quan'ti ty, _a large amount; part_.
in duce', _lead one to think or act_.
pre pared', _made ready for use_.
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