1322. Why has the giraffe a small head?
Because, being set upon the end of a very long neck, the animal would be unable to raise it if it were heavy.
1323. Why has the giraffe a long neck?
Because it feeds upon the branches of tall trees.
1324. Why has the giraffe a long and flexible tongue?
Because it is thereby enabled to lay hold of the tender twigs and branches, and draw them into its mouth, avoiding the coarser parts of the branches.
1325. Why are the nostrils of the giraffe small and narrow, and studded with hairs?
Because the hairs and the peculiar shape of the nasal passages are designed as a protection against the insects which inhabit the boughs of the trees upon which the giraffe feeds; and also against the sands of the desert, which storms raise into almost suffocating clouds.