THE ANTELOPE, OR PRONO-HOllX. 373 



Irish greyhound, having some mastiff blood in them, as 

 they were kept specially for antelope coursing ; the latter 

 blood being infused in their veins for the purpose of giving 

 them that combativeness and tenacity of purpose necessary 

 not only to chase, but also to throw the agile and timid 

 creature. Some pure-bred animals of the race, if trained 

 when young, will not only pursue, but also pull it to the 

 ground ; but, as a general rule, some cross-blood, either of 

 the mastiff, deer-hound, or blood-hound, is considered an 

 improvement, in order to give staying powers. I believe, 

 however, that the unmixed race is thoroughly adapted for 

 the work, provided it is educated at an early age ; but that 

 idea would be a rather difficult matter to impress upon 

 those whose experience is entitled to the fullest considera- 

 tion. 



After three hours of fitful repose we arose from our hard 

 couch, fed our horses, drank our dark coffee, partook of a 

 slight breakfast of smoked beef and bread, then vaulted 

 into the saddle. Our steeds were in excellent condition; 

 so we felt that they would give us no cause to deplore our 

 want of good-fortune. Moving from the streamlet to the 

 high rolling plateaux back of it, we could distinguish by 

 the dim morning light several groups of antelopes quietly 

 grazing. Stealing to their lee to avoid being detected by 

 their keen nostrils, and to seek the cover of some hillocks, 

 we approached one herd to within fifty yards ere we were 

 discovered. The dogs having been put in leash for the 

 purpose of giving us an opportunity of trying to ride down 

 a few animals, and tumbling them over with our rifles and 

 revolvers, we put spurs to our horses as soon as we saw the 

 creatures in motion, and were soon in full pursuit. Our 

 steeds were given a free rein, and each person picked out 

 his own quarry. I selected a dam which was accompanied 

 by a brace of youngsters two or three months old, and pur- 

 sued them only a short distance ere I came close enough to 

 get a shot. This I delivered with my revolver at the fore- 

 shoulder of the dam, and when the hazy smoke cleared 

 away I had the satisfaction of seeing her tumble over on 



