154 



Quadrupeds. 



THE GNU. (Antilope Gnu.) 



THIS very singular animal is sometimes called a horned 

 horse ; as it has the shape and mane of a horse, with the 

 addition of a formidable pair of horns, a kind of beard 

 below the chin, and a fringe of hair below the body, 

 along the breastbone. The Gnus live together in herds, 

 and when alarmed, fling up their heels, and plunge and 

 rear, tossing their heads and tails, before they gallop off; 

 which they do, the whole herd following their leader 

 singly, like a troop of soldiers. The Gnu inhabits the 

 sandy deserts of South Africa ; and its flesh, which is 

 said to resemble beef, is sometimes eaten by the colonists 

 near the Cape of Good Hope. When caught young the 

 Gnu may be tamed, but its disposition is always uncer- 

 tain, and when offended it throws itself on its knees, 

 like the njl ghau, and then springing up, butts furiously 

 with its horns. 



