THE DARKENING SKY. 



249 



At certain seasons of the year, especially in each spring, the odor of the musk- 

 ox's flesh is so strong that it can be detected on the knives used to cut its flesh. At 

 other seasons the smell is almost absent, and it is excellent eating. 



The short legs of the animal are more useful to him than you would suppose. 

 He can run fast, and is as good a mountain climber as the goat. They gather in 

 herds in September, for mutual protection against wolves, which are numerous in 

 their haunts. 



When musk-oxen are attacked by hunters they make formidable prepar tions. 

 The younger animals are put in the center, while all the older ones surround them, 

 and stand with their heads facing outward. They tear up the earth with their hoofs 

 and horns, bellow, __ _ 



and seem eager for 

 the fray. 



Then the oldest 

 bull of the herd sta- 

 tions himself at the 

 head, as if about to 

 lead a charge. On 

 the approach of the 

 hunters, he cau- 

 tiously advances to 

 reconnoiter, closely 

 watching every 

 movement. That 

 duty completed, 

 he saunters back to 

 his fellows and a- 

 waits the opening 

 of battle. 



You would sup- 

 pose, from all this 

 flourish, that the 



musk-oxen are among the bravest of quadrupeds. But at the first volley from the 

 hunters the magnificent army of warriors wheel and scamper off in a panic, leaving 

 their dead and wounded to take care of themselves. 



However, I have told you enough abo-u the different animals, and it is time I 

 returned to the account of our friends, who had encamped for an indefinite period 

 in Southern Africa. Bob and Dick devoted what leisure they gained to the study 

 of the captives, and to attempt to cultivate their friendship. This was a task which, 

 if not encouraging at all times, was entertaining. 



The hartbeest seemed indifferent to their advances. He did not resent their 

 overtures, but showed no appreciation of them, heedless whether they came near 

 or not, so long as they did not aliow him to wa^t for food. 



THK TAMANOIR. 



