THE STORY OF THE ANTELOPE. 



337 



Elands are generally accompanied by "rhinoceros birds," which, in addi- 

 tion to their natural timidity, make them difficult to approach on foot. Con- 

 sequently they are generally hunted on horseback. The bulls, when fat, 

 can be easily ridden down by a good horse; but the cows have greater speed 

 and staying power. When pursued, eland frequently leap high in the air. 

 When they have their calves with them, the cows will attack and impale 

 dogs on their horns; but at other seasons both sexes are quite harmless. Mr. 

 Selous states that the flesh of the eland has been very generally over-esti- 



A NILGAI ANTELOPE. 



mated; and during the dry season, when these animals often subsist entirely 

 upon leaves, it is quite uneatable. 



THE NILGAI. 



There is not much sport in hunting nilgai, the largest of the Indian 

 antelope. In closely settled districts they are as tame as domestic cattle, 

 and in the unsettled districts where they are shy, they are easily ridden down 



