peculiarities, with an accuracy and fidelity both laudable and decisive. Yet, whilst we are fully acquainted with the external qualities of the Giraffa, it is to be lamented we know so little of its habits. An extreme docility, and remarkable passiveness of disposition, form the prominent features of its character. Antonius Constantius, a writer of the fifteenth century, and one of the earliest of modern travellers who has noticed it, mentions one which he saw led through the streets of Fano, so gentle and quiescent in its conduct, that the children of the town brought bread and fruit, which it patiently ate from their hands, and received the gratuitons offerings of the spectators at their windows as it passed. Mr. Gordon also records an anecdote of the Giraffa slain by himself, which represents it in a truly amiable and interesting light. Having wounded it with a musketball, it suffered him to approach it as it lay upon the ground, without offering to strike with its horns, or showing any inclination to revenge itself. He even stroked it over the eyes several times, which it only closed without evincing any signs of resentment. When its throat was cut, for the purpose of procuring the skin, and whilst lying in the agonies of death, it struck the earth with its feet, with a degree of violence and force far exceeding that of any other animal. In these, Mr. Vaillant informs us, lay his only means of defence; yet such is the rapidity with which he is enabled to exert them, that the succession of their movements almost escapes perception; and so powerful are the blows inflicted, that they are sufficient to repel the attacks of the Lion, though of little avail against the fury and impetuosity of the Tiger.

Its general food consists of the leaves of a species of Mimosa, called by the natives kanaap, and by the planters kamel-doorn; though when grass is to be obtained (which from the scarcity of pasture in the southern provinces of Africa is but seldom), in common with other horned cattle, it joyfully partakes of such a repast. An erroneous opinion, however,

has been promulgated, that when feeding upon shrubs and herbage, it is compelled to extend its legs to a considerable distance, in order to bring its mouth in contact with the earth. This, Mr. Vaillant, who has been peculiarly explicit upon the subject, contradicts from his own experience and observation both whilst grazing and drinking, and pertinently remarks, that if we will compare the length of the neck with that of the legs and body, we shall discover there is no necessity for this unnatural assistance. This testimony is also confirmed by the representation given of the Giraffa in the beautiful Prænestine pavement of Sylla, where we observe it delineated amidst a herd of African quadrupeds, browsing in the customary posture of other beasts.

ANTELOPE (ANTILOPES.)

1. The Blue Antelope. (Antilope Leucophaea) was received from Senegal; is also found at the Cape of Good Hope.

2. Corrine Antelope. (A. Corina.)

3. Female of the above.

4. The Harnessed Antelope. (A Scripta.) A most beautiful species, found near the Senegal river. Presented by his Royal Highness the Duke of York.

5. Pigmy Antelope. (A. Pygmæa.) This beautiful and diminutive species is only nine inches high. It inhabits the hotter parts of Africa, and is said by authors to be capable of leaping a wall twelve feet high; it is easily tamed, but is so tender as not to survive à removal from its native clime.

The Broad-tailed Sheep. A curious African species, sent by the Dey of Algiers to the Earl of Liverpool, who presented it to the Museum.

The Musk Ox (Bos Moschatus) is an inhabitant of the mountains of North America, where it is found in

herds, in which the number of females greatly preponderate. They are said to be very fierce, and to run and climb the mountains with great rapidity.

The Zebra. (Equus Zebra.) This extremely beautiful animal is a native of the hotter parts of Africa, and is frequently seen in herds in the neighbourhood of the Cape of Good Hope; they are however so extremely wild and cautious as rarely to be taken, and are of a disposition so vicious and untameable as seldom to submit to the bridle, even when taken young. In size the Zebra is superior to the Ass; in its colour it is much more elegant: the ground is white or cream colour, and the whole animal is decorated with very numerous black or dark brown stripes, disposed with the utmost symmetry in a manner not easily to be described.

The Pecari or Mexican Hog. (Sus Tajasu.) Inhabits the warm parts of America, feeding on vegetables and reptiles is said to attack and devour the Rattlesnake with impunity.

On a rock, near the Sea-View, are placed

THE SEALS.

THE Common Seal. (Phoca Vitulina.) This animal is a native of the European Seas, and is found about all the coasts of the Northern hemisphere, and even as far as the opposite one, being seen in vast numbers about the southern polar regions. We are informed by Mr. Pennant, that it also inhabits some fresh-water lakes, as that of Baikal, Aral, &c. Seals may often be observed sleeping on the rocks near the coast; but when approached too near, they suddenly precipitate themselves into the water.-Sometimes they sleep sound; and it is affirmed by some, that the Seal sleeps more profoundly than most other quadrupeds. The structure of the Seal is so singular, that, as Buffon