238 RUMINANTIA. 



A. leucoryx. (Gr. Isvxbg, leukos ; oou, orux, the gazelle.) 

 The WHITE ORYX. 



This species, called by some the " Milk-White Antelope," is 

 perhaps the most celebrated of all the Antelope genus, it being 

 the one that gave rise to the fabulous unicorn of the ancients. 

 The horns are more distinctly ringed for about half their length 

 than in the preceding species, gradually curved throughout the 

 whole course, and in a side view appearing to be one and the 

 same. The neck, throat, and some portions of the face are 

 brown; but the other parts are milk-white. This species is 

 found represented on the monuments of Egypt and Nubia ; '' in 

 the inner chamber of the great pyramid at Memphis, a whole 

 group may be seen, (with one exception,) shown in profile, so 

 that but one horn appears " The White Oryx is gregarious; its 

 range is more northern thanthatof the Gems-Boc, including Nu- 

 bia and Senegal ; its food consists of different species of acacias. 



GOAT-LIKE ANTELOPES. 



A rupicapra. (Lat. Rock-Goat,) The CHAMOIS, or GEMS. 



This interesting animal is the only Antelope of Europe, being 

 found in all the high mountain-chains of that region, and also those 

 of Western Asia. The horns of the Chamois are usually but six 

 or seven inches long, nearly parallel in their whole extent, and 

 bent backwards like hooks at their tip. (Plate VII. fig. 21.) Its 

 length is about three feet three inches ; and its height at the 

 shoulders, a little more than two feet ; the face is straight and goat- 

 like; the ears are small, erect, and pointed , the long hair of the body 

 hangs down over the sides, and is of a deep brown color in winter, 

 a brownish fawn in summer, and in spring, slightly mixed with 

 gray ; the pale yellow of the head is banded with dark brown on 

 each side. Beneath the external covering, is a short thick coat 

 of fine wool, which lies close to the skin, and protects the animal 

 from the severe weather of cold mountainous regions, and the 

 bruises to which, from its habitat, it is liable. The hoofs are 

 admirably adapted for security, enabling it to avail itself of every 

 little roughness and projection, either from the naked granite, or 

 from, the icy glaciers. 



In its elevated home, the Chamois displays all the vivacity, 

 restlessness and agility of tne Common Goat. It does not bear 

 heat, and is, therefore, in summer found on the tops of the highest 

 mountains, or in deep glens where the snow lies during the year ; 

 in winter, it descends to lower ridges, and then only is it hunted 

 with any prospect of success. All its senses are exceedingly 

 acute ; and these, combined with its agility, are it means of 



