272 THE ORYX. 



and on the banks of a tributary to the Swakop. On reach- 

 ing the foot of that picturesque chain of mountains extend- 

 ing in a northerly direction from Eikhams tow^ard Schme- 

 len's Hope, where it terminates rather abruptly, we encoun- 

 tered great numbers of the oryx, which afforded us excellent 

 sport. 



CHAPTER XXn. 



The Oryx ; more than one Species. — Where found. — Probably known 

 in Europe previous to the discovery of the Passage round the Cape 

 of Good Hope. — Description of the Oryx. — Gregarious. — Speed. — 

 Food. — Water not necessary to its existence. — Will face the Lion. 

 — Formidable Horns. — Their Use. — Flesh, — The Chase of this 

 Animal. 



Three distinct species of oryxes* are recognized by natu- 

 ralists, ranging over a great extent of the more desert and 

 thinly-peopled districts of Africa. In the northern part of 

 the continent the type is represented by the leucoryx,| which 

 strikingly resembles the oryx or gemsbok {oryx capensis), of 

 which the accompanying drawing is an excellent represent- 

 ation. 



The gemsbok (so called by the Dutch from a supposed 

 resemblance to the chamois of Europe) seems restricted to 

 the central and western parts of Southern Africa, few or 

 none being found in its eastern portion. It was once com- 

 mon within the colony, but what with its shy habits, the 



* Oryx capensis, oryx beisa, and oryx leucoi'yx. 



t The numerous engravings of the leucoiyx on the sculptures of 

 Egypt clearly indicate that this animal was well known to the nations 

 inhabiting the valley of the Nile. It was chosen as an emblem, but 

 whether as a good or evil symbol is uncertain^ though some modern 

 wi'iters seem in favor of the former opinion. The wealthy Egyptians 

 kept a great number of this antelope in a tame state, but it does not 

 appear to have been considered a sacred animal. Indeed, it was in- 

 discriminately sacrificed to the gods, and slaughtered for the table. 



