Przewalski's Gazelle 193 



them on horseback, with greyhounds. Sometimes the Kirghiz cut paths 

 in the steppe grass, leaving the stiff stalks at a certain height ; into these 

 paths herds of saigas are driven by mounted men, when the unfortunate 

 animals lame and otherwise wound themselves by treading on the sharp 

 stalks of the grass. They are more easily hunted with firearms ; and some- 

 times eagles are employed in their capture. Nor does this exhaust the list 

 of the saiga's enemies, for a fly often lays its eggs in such quantities in the 

 hair that the maggots which in due course hatch out cause the death of 

 the unfortunate animal. 



If taken sufficiently young, saigas, it is said, can be readily tamed, and 

 will follow their owners about like dogs. They can be taught to swim 

 rivers, and may even be allowed to mingle with the herds ot their wild 

 brethren, from among whom they will return to their own dwelling. In 

 addition to those mentioned above as being kept in England, saigas have 

 been exhibited in continental menageries, but have seldom thriven well. 



PRZEWALSKI'S GAZELLE 



( G(vzfl/c! przeiva/skii ) 

 (Plate II. Fig. 9) 



This species is one of several mammals discovered by the Russian 

 explorer, the late Colonel Przewalski, during one of his expeditions into 

 Central Asia ; and it was named in his honour by Dr. Eugene Biichner^ in 

 1890. Figures, taken from specimens in the British Museum, of the 

 male and female, together with a capital description of the animal, will be 

 found in the Book of Antelopes, by Messrs. Sclater and Thomas. 



In its general character this species comes very close to the Tibetan 



1 Melanges Biologiques, vol. xiii. p. 164. 

 2 C 



