58 VERTEBRATES : MAMMALS. 



the influence of enlightened and practical men. And 

 these results will, probably, not be secured except through 

 intelligent legislation. 



CAVICORNIA, OR HOLLOW-HORNED RUMINANT FAMILY. 

 This Family, as stated above, comprises all the Rumi- 

 nants which have the horns permanent, hollow, and en- 

 closing a process of the frontal bone. The Cavicornia 

 may be divided into three sub-families, which are here 

 presented together, that their resemblances and differ- 

 ences may be seen at a glance : 



Antilopinae, or Antelopes, characterized by horns 

 rounded or conical, without sharp angles, variously 

 curved, annulated or wrinkled, and black ; the muzzle 

 elongated, attenuated, generally hairy, and the end of 

 the upper lip with a shallow groove. 



Ovinae, or Sheep and Goats, characterized by horns 

 more or less angular and compressed, usually twisted and 

 curved backwards, wrinkled, and generally dull yellowish- 

 brown. The muzzle is broader than in the antelopes, 

 generally hairy, and with a shallow groove. 



Bovinae, or Oxen, characterized by horns rounded, 

 muzzle broad, usually naked, and without a vertical fur- 

 row at the end. 



i. Antilopinae, or Antelopes, are very numerous in spe- 

 cies, no less than ninety having been described, varying 

 in size from the light and graceful gazelle and chamois 

 to those as large as the largest horse. Two of these be- 

 long to North America, two to Europe, and the rest to 

 Southern Asia and to Africa, but mainly to Africa. 



The Genus Antilocapra is characterized by erect horns, 

 the base compressed, with a flattened process in front, 

 the end conical and recurved. The nose is sheep-like, 

 entirely hairy at the end except a narrow central line ; 

 the tail is very short, and there are no false hoofs behind 

 the large ones. 



