THE GAZELLES 325 



GAZELLE (Gazella dorcas). 

 Coloured Plate XXI. Fig. 3. 



The Gazelle, of which there are at least a score of species, 

 is one of the most typical of the Antelopes. One of the 

 best known is the one figured on the plate. Its specific 

 name is familiar to all those acquainted with the Scriptures 

 as that of the ' certain disciple named Tabitha, which by 

 interpretation is called Dorcas,' i.e., a Gazelle, who was 

 restored to life by St. Peter (Acts ix. 36, &c.). It has a very 

 wide range of country Algeria, Egypt, Palestine, Syria, 

 and parts of Asia Minor. Under the name of the Roe are 

 many Biblical allusions to the animal, praising its swiftness, 

 grace, and gentleness ; and in all ages it has been eulogised 

 by poetical writers. 



The Gazelle, only two feet high at the shoulder, is a 

 beautifully sleek animal, light fawn colour on the back, 

 passing into a brown band along the sides, which forms an 

 abrupt border to the white of the under parts. The hind- 

 quarters are also mainly white. The face is curiously 

 marked with two stripes, one dark and one light. Its eyes 

 are large, soft, and lustrous. Its whole appearance well 

 harmonises with its customary desert surroundings. The 

 horns seldom exceed thirteen inches in length. The legs of 

 the animal are as slender as a reed, by which it is enabled 

 to skim over the ground almost like a bird, often taking 

 leaps of a yard in height as it pursues its rapid flight. 

 Xo wild beast ever attempts to catch it in open chase ; it 

 can only be struck down by stealing upon it unobserved. 

 The graceful creature is easily tamed, and is always a great 

 favourite in Syria. 



The Indian Gazelle (Gazella bennetti) ranges through 

 Central and North-west India, Baluchistan, and Persia. 

 It is most abundant in absolutely desert regions. 

 Tame Gazelles readily herd with goats ; and it is no 

 unusual thing even for wild ones to join a herd of their 

 own accord. One of the largest of the family is the 

 Senegal Gazelle (Gazella mohr), which is thirty-two inches 

 high, with horns over a foot in length. 



