ANTLERED TENANTS OF THE WOODS. 203 



white tail, flowing like that of a horse. It has, moreover, 

 a mane upon the center of its neck. At a distance it is 

 said to resemble the lion. 



15. But, in spite of its appearance, the gnu is a true 

 ruminant, and a near kin to the other r antelopes, with 

 whom it associates. It has low, bent horns, something 

 like those of the Cape buffalo, and it is furnished with 

 cloven feet, which exhibit all the lightness of those of a 

 stag. The flesh resembles venison, and is highly esteemed 

 by both hunters and natives. 



16. Captain Harris says : " While crossing the wide 

 plains of the Yaal River we had an opportunity of re- 

 marking the very similar appearance of the lion and the 

 gnu, and in twice witnessing the animated but abortive 

 pursuit of a herd of gnus by an enormous lion, rendered 

 furious by the qualms of hunger, and still more desper- 

 ately frantic by the disappointment entailed by the slip- 

 pery heels of his intended victims, who, on both occasions, 

 left their grim pursuer far behind, puffing and blowing, 

 to grumble over the loss of the morning repast which he 

 had vainly promised himself." 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

 ANTLERED TENANTS OF THE WOODS. 



" I know where the timid fawn abides 



In the depths of the shaded dell, 

 Where the leaves are broad and the thicket hides, 

 With its many stems and its tangled sides, 



From the eye of the hunter well." 



1. THE parent of this " timid fawn," so artfully hid- 

 den, and whose secret place the Indian knows so well, is 



