THE GEMSBOK THE BEATRIX ANTELOPE 43 



THE GEMSBOK 



(Oryx gaze I la) 



THE Gemsbok of South Africa, although also very like the Beisa at first 

 sight, is more distinct from that animal than the last species. It has 

 very much more black in its colouration, the streaks down from the 

 eyes and the patch across the muzzle being better developed, while 

 the bases of all the limbs are nearly solid black, and there is a black 

 patch on the hind-quarters just before the tail. Moreover, there is a 

 fringe of long hair on the throat, forming in the male a conspicuous 

 tuft on the middle of the neck. In size this Antelope is rather larger 

 than the Beisa, and its horns, which are similar in form, may reach 

 nearly four feet in length they are longer in females than in males. 



This Oryx is found in the dry regions of South-West Africa, and 

 has been known since Buffon's time ; its Boer name supposes a resem- 

 blance to the " Gems," or Chamois of Europe, and is as inappropriate 

 as several other titles of comparison bestowed by these Dutch pioneers 

 on the new animals they met with in South Africa. It is now nearly, 

 if not quite, extinct in the Cape Colony itself, although its effigy, along 

 with that of the White-tailed Gnu, figures in the arms of that State. 



The Gemsbok is a true desert-animal, being able to exist where 

 there is no water, although it drinks at times, and digs up the bulbs 

 of desert plants with its hoofs, thus obtaining a certain amount of 

 moisture. It is not very gregarious, only a pair or a small family 

 being usually found in company ; its speed appears to be only moderate, 

 but it is possessed of great courage even the Lion, apparently, some- 

 times falling a victim when he attacks it. Although so long known, it 

 seems never to have been brought to Europe alive. 



THE BEATRIX ANTELOPE 



(Oryx beatrix) 



IN general form this Antelope, which inhabits Southern Arabia, resembles 

 the Beisa, but is a much smaller animal, measuring less than a yard 

 at the shoulder. Its colour is also very different, being chiefly white, 



