ffye 0Hjx. 



THE oryx, or gemsbok, to which I was now about to direct 

 my attention more particularly, says Mr. Gumming, is about 

 the most beautiful and remarkable of all the antelope tribe. 

 It is the animal which is supposed to have given rise to the 

 fable of the unicorn, from its long, straight horns, when seen, 

 in profile, so exactly covering one another as to give it the 

 appearance of having but one. It possesses the erect mane, 

 long, sweeping black tail, and general appearance of the horse, 

 with the head and hoof of an antelope. It is robust in its 

 form, squarely and compactly built, and very noble in its bear- 

 ing. Its height is about that of an ass, and in color it slightly 

 resembles that animal. The beautiful black bands which 

 (372) 



