328 NILGHAU. 



distant from each other, bent very slightly for- 

 wards, and of a blackish colour. The female re- 

 sembles the male in general appearance, but is 

 considerably smaller, of a pale brown colour, and 

 is destitute of horns : the mane, pectoral tuft, and 

 ears, resemble those of the male, and the feet are 

 marked above the hoofs by three transverse bars 

 of black and two of white. 



The Nilgau is a native of the interior parts of 

 India. According to Mr. Pennant, it abounded, 

 in the days of Aurengzebe, between Delli and 

 Lahor, on the way to Cashmire, and was called 

 Nyl-Gau, or the blue or grey bull. It was one of 

 the objects of the chace with that might}- mo- 

 narch during his journey : they were inclosed by 

 his army of hunters within nets, which being- 

 drawn closer and closer, at length formed a small 

 precinct, into which the King and his Omra/is 

 and hunters entered, and killed the Nilgaus with 

 arrows, spears, and musquets ; and that some- 

 times in such numbers, that Aurengzebe used to 

 send quarters as presents to all his great people. 



The Nilgau has of late years been often im- 

 ported into Europe, and has bred in England. 

 In confinement it is generally pretty gentle, but 

 is sometimes seized with iits of sudden caprice, 

 when it will attack with great violence the objects 

 of its displeasure. When the males fight, they 

 drop on their knees at some distance from each 

 other, and gradually advance in that attitud.e, 

 and at length make a spring at each other with 

 ilieir heads bent low. This action, however. i> 



