(H NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Description. 



*- i - 



The flesh of the elk is good, but the grain is 

 coarse; the hide is so thick, that it has been 

 often known to turn a musket ball; but when 

 tamed, the leather is extremely light and pliable. 



THE ELK ANTELOPE. 



THIS animal is, in general, of an ash colour, 

 inclining towards blue : a thin black mane ex- 

 tends from the nape of its neck along the back; 

 and the tail is terminated with a tuft of black 

 hair. The forehead is flat, and furnished with 

 an erect fore-lock ; the nose is sharp ; and the 

 breast is covered with a loose skin. The horns 

 are about two feet in length, of a dark brown co- 

 lour, marked with two prominent spiral ribs, 

 running nearly two thirds of their length, but 

 smooth toward the ends, which are a little incur- 

 vated. The female has horns like the male, but 

 considerably smaller. 



These quadrupeds are principally found in In- 

 dia, and the vicinity of the Cape of Good Hope. 

 They seem to prefer plains and valleys to the 

 high grounds; and when chased, they always en- 

 deavour to run against the wind. Their pace is 

 rather heavy, and as they are generally fat, they 

 are soon fatigued. The hunter usually takes an 

 opportunity of getting to windward of the ani- 

 mal, when he throws himself from his horse, and 

 easily shoots the game. Dr. Sparnnan observes, 



