THE GEMS-BOK. 



209 



which come boldl}'^ into view as soon as the protecting skin-fold is 

 obliterated by the tension of the muscles that serve to propel the an- 

 imal in its aerial course. 



The Spriug-bok is a marvellously timid animal, and will never cross 

 a road if it can avoid the necessity. When it is forced to do so, it 

 often compromises the dif- 

 ficulty by leaping over 

 the spot which has been 

 tainted by the foot of 

 man. The color of the 

 Spring-bok is very pleas- 

 ing, the ground tinting 

 being a warm cinnamon- 

 brown upon the upper 

 surface of the body and ^^ 

 pure white upon the ab- 

 domen, the two colors be- 

 ing separated from each 

 other by a broad band of 

 reddish brown. The fl^sh ^""^ Spring-'bok {Antidorcas Euchore). 



of the Spring-bok is held in some estimation, and the hide is in great 

 request for many useful purposes. 



Inhabiting the vast plains of Southern Africa, the Spring-bok is 

 accustomed to make pilgrimages from one spot to another, vast herds 

 being led by their chiefs, and ravaging the country over which they 

 pass as if they were locusts. 



The Gems-bok, or Kookaam, is a large and powerful member of the 

 Antelope tribe, equalling the domestic ass in size, and measuring about 

 three feet ten inches at the shoulder. The manner in which the hide 

 is decorated with boldly- contrasted tints gives it a very peculiar aspect. 

 The general hue is gray, but along the back, upon the hinder quarters, 

 and along the flanks, the color is deep black. A black streak also 

 crosses the face, and, passing under the chin, gives it the appearance 

 of wearing harness. It has a short, erect mane and long sweeping 

 black tail, and its heavy horns are nearly straight from base to tip. 



The long and sharply-pointed horns with which its head is armed 

 are terrible weapons of offence, and can be wielded with marvellous 

 skill. Striking right and left with these natural bayonets, the adult 

 Gems-bok is a match for most of the smaller carnivora, and has even 

 been known to wage a successful duel with the lordly lion, and fairly 

 to beat off its antagonist. Even when the lion has overcome the 

 Gems-bok, the battle may sometimes be equally claimed by both sides, 

 for in one instance the dead bodies of a lion and a Gems-bok were found 

 lying on the plain, the horns of the Anteh^pe being driven so firmly 

 18 «- 



