-^ The Antelopes of East Africa 



sometimes in captivity. This habit ol theirs is not to be 

 ascribed to the irritation caused by the parasites from 

 which, like so many other antelopes, they suffer. The 

 specimens which I have brought to Europe have played 

 and gambolled about in this way, and an examination 

 of their bodies after death showed that they were 

 completely free from these parasites. I myself have 

 discovered a species ot parasite which seems very common 

 on the white-bearded gnus, and which has not yet been 

 given any scientific designation. 



All keepers of Zoological Gardens are familiar with 

 the way these gnus jump about. The South xA-frican gnu 

 is most conspicuous of all in this respect — it is a character- 

 istic not to be found amongst other ruminating animals. 

 J. G. Millais has given us an excellent picture of the 

 white-tailed gnu indulging in these gambols. This leaping" 

 habit is connected to a great extent with the fights that 

 frequently take place between the bulls. 



Gnus, as was found out in the early days in Cape 

 Colony, are to be classed among those animals which it 

 is not easy to overtake on horseback, their powers of 

 endurance and vitality being remarkable. In its free 

 state the gnu always shows itself nervous in the presence 

 of man. If it were to make use of its strenoth and its 

 formidable horns, it would doubtless prove as dangerous, 

 it not more dangerous, than the buffalo, especially as it 

 has very good sight. It only shows its temper in captivity, 

 when it is a more danc^erous animal to deal with than 

 most other antelopes. 



I was fortunate enouQ^h to be able to brino: living 



487 



