RUMINANTIA. -i_ 0,4, , 243 



-.^- -l^agf 5 * 



with short, smooth, and nearly parallel horns. The fore-quarters 

 are considerably raised, and there is a slight elevation upon the 

 withers; the neck is long and horse-like; from the throat and 

 shoulders hangs a dense bunch of hair ; the haunch is small and 

 low, so that the hinder limbs are short. The Nyl-Ghau is less 

 graceful in its proportions than the Stag, but more muscular and 

 powerful. The color of this animal is a slaty blue ; it has, how 

 ever, several white spots which, contrasting with the slaty blue, 

 or dark brown of the other parts, suggested the specific name of 

 picta. It is extremely vicious, and cannot be approached with 

 out danger. In making an attack, it first falls upon its knees, 

 like the Gnoo, and then springs violently forward. It is the 

 common prey of the tiger ; and hunters erect their platforms near 

 the mangled remains of this animal, well knowing that the 

 tiger will return to glut himself with the remainder of his prey. 

 During the day, the Nyl-Ghau conceals itself in the forests, and 

 at night leaves its coverts to feed, often doing harm to adjacent 

 cultivated fields. It has been often taken to England, where it 

 breeds, and is not an uncommon animal. 



QUESTIONS ON ANTELOPES. 



What is the derivation of the word Antelopidae ? What families are the 

 Antelopes thought to connect ? In what respect are they like the goats ? In 

 what like the deer ? What advantages do their hind limbs give them ? 

 State the color of the larger part of them. What is said of the tail, ears 

 and hoofs ? What is the most general character of the family ? Are their 

 horns solid or hollow? What is said of their tear-pits? From what do 

 these distinguish them? What makes this family an intermediate link be 

 tween the two kinds of horned animals? What additional glands are 

 spoken of? What is said of the form of the upper lip ? What of the hair ? 

 Are they gregarious? What two grand divisions do the Antelopes em 

 brace ? What is the most obvious distinction between the two ? Name 

 the groups of Antelopes of the Field, with their characters. Where is the 

 Gazelle found ? Give some account of its peculiarities and habits. Where 

 is the Molir ? Why is it sought after by the Arabs? What is the locality 

 of the Springbok? Is it larger or smaller than the Gazelle? What is its 

 most marked peculiarity? What is said of its leaps? What of its migra 

 tions? How widely is the Common Antelope diffused? What is said of its 

 horns? Illustrate its swiftness. What animals are used in hunting it? 

 How large is it? What Antelope is next mentioned? What is said of it? 

 Where is the Klipspringer found ? What is peculiar in its hair? What 

 enables it to bound with very great agility? Who first discovered the 

 Madoqua 1 What is said of its size, color, &c. ? Where is the Kleenbok 

 found? What is said of it? To which division of the Antelopes of the 

 Field do the preceding ones belong? Where is the Oryx found? What 

 is. its size ? Give some description of it ? What is said of it by Anderson 

 and others ? Which is perhaps the most celebrated of all the Antelopes ? 

 To what fabulous animal did it give rise ? How ? Where is it found sculp- 



