CHAPTER XI. Notes on the Giraffe

NOTES ON THE GIRAFFE

Appearance of the giraffe--Not a vanishing species--Immense range--Habitat--Native mounted hunters--Destruction of giraffes and other game by Europeans--Necessity of restraining native hunters--Discussion as to the possibility of the giraffe existing for long periods without drinking--Water-conserving tubers--Wild water-melons--Habits of elephants after much persecution--Possible explanation of the belief that giraffes can dispense with water--Giraffes seen in the act of drinking--Giraffes absolutely voiceless--Partial to open, park-like country--Difficult to approach on foot--Giraffes very keen-scented--Hunting giraffes with Bushmen trackers--Exhilarating sport--Pace of the giraffe--The easiest way to kill giraffes--Driving wounded giraffes to camp--Two curious experiences with giraffes--"Stink bulls"--Excellence of the meat of a fat giraffe cow--Height of giraffes--Giraffes only occasionally killed by lions--Young giraffe attacked by leopards Pages 205-221