44 THE ANTELOPE OF AMERICA. 



affection for her, and repeatedly went away, escaping when it 

 could ; and in one instance was caught several miles away. The 

 female never escaped or went away without the male. They 

 were often allowed to roam about the farm (200 acres) at will, 

 and often strayed away to the neighbors, who would dog them 

 home ; and the antelopes seemed to enjoy it, and would act in a 

 playful manner, apparently exulting in their superior speed, and 

 tantalizing the dog by stopping, etc. They were affectionate 

 and tame to those with whom they were familiar. During the 

 rutting season, the buck was intensely cross and wicked to every 

 one who came near." The account given by Dr. Canfield shows 

 us that they have strong local attachments, which, however, have 

 been broken up by the advance of civilization, not only at the 

 place where his observations were made more than twenty-five 

 3'ears ago, but in a large portion of the country where they were 

 formerly so abundant. Probably in Canfield's time they were 

 more abundant in California than anywhere else ; and yet, a 

 quarter of a century later, scarcely any were there to be found. 

 If they now appear to be less gregarious than he describes, it may 

 be because of their diminished numbers every where ; and if they 

 wander now more than then, it is probably because they are 

 more frequently disturbed. 



Of their combative disposition, I am not enabled to speak 

 from personal observation. The three years' old buck I had in 

 my grounds never manifested the least disposition in that direc- 

 tion, but I did not have him during the rut. Mr. Crooker's 

 letter shows that Mr. Cipperly's manifested as belhgerent a dispo- 

 sition during the rut as any of the deer, and it is only then that 

 any of them are disposed to fight among themselves or to make 

 war on others. 



If the accounts of hunters may be relied upon, the mother does 

 not lack courage in defense of her young, as it is said she attacks 

 the coyote successfully with both feet and head. Her superior 

 agility, no doubt, is of great service in such an encounter. It is 

 said she conceals her young with great sagacity, till they are old 

 enough to flee with her from their enemies. 



As to the belligerent disposition of the bucks during the rut, 

 I quote from Audubon and Bacliman : ^ " The rutting season of 

 this species commences in September ; the bucks run for about 

 six weeks, and during this period fight with great courage, and 

 even a degree of ferocity. When a male sees another approach- 



1 Vol. ii., p. 197. 



