344 



UNGULATA 



species in his Geology and Zoology of Abyssinia, Mr. W. T. Blanford 

 observes that " the appearance of a herd of Oryx is very imposing. 

 They are some of the most elegant and symmetrical of animals, the 

 motions being those of a wild Horse rather than of an Antelope. 

 Their favourite pace appears to be either a steady quick walk or a 

 trot; they rarely break into a gallop unless greatly alarmed. 

 When frightened they dash off, sometimes snorting and putting 



FIG. 141. The Gemsbok (Oryx gazeUa). 



their heads down as if charging, raising their long tails, and look- 

 ing very formidable. They are wary animals, though far less so 

 than some other Antelopes. It is said that they frequently attack 

 when wounded, and their long straight horns are most deadly 

 weapons." The Arabian Beatrix Antelope (0. beatrix) is a much 

 smaller animal, with the black markings confined to the head, fore 

 limbs, and flanks. Finally, the Leucoryx (0. leucoryx) of North 

 Africa, while agreeing in size with the Beatrix, differs by its curved 

 horns and uniform coloration. 



The extinct Palceoryx, of the Lower Pliocene of Europe and the 

 Isle of Samos, appears to have been an ancestral form of Oryx, said 

 to show some signs of affinity with Hippotragus. 



