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.
[Illustration]
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.
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