144 Zoological Society, 



to the care of Dr. Andrew Smith. It would appear to belong to 

 the sub-genus Aigocerus, and in form, as well as in other respects, 

 bears remote resemblance to the Aigocerus Equina, (Roan Antelope 

 or Bastard Gemsbok,) with which it has been confounded by many 

 persons imperfectly acquainted with the subject to whom it has 

 been exhibited. A comparison of the two animals will, however, 

 render the existing difference between them too obvious to demand 

 any observation from me. 



During nearly three months that I hunted over the country lying 

 between the 24th and 26th parallels of south latitude, within 28° 

 and 30° east longitude, I only once met with the Antelope in 

 question. On the northern side of the Cashan range of mountains, 

 about a degree and a half south of the tropic of Capricorn, I found 

 a herd, consisting of nine does and two bucks, and followed them 

 until I captured the specimen from which the enclosed drawing 

 was made. 



None of the natives of the country were familiar with the appear- 

 ance of the animal when first interrogated on the subject, although 

 after conferring amongst themselves, they agreed that it was Koo- 

 kame, (Oryx Capensis,) the Gemsbok j and, of the many individuals 

 to whom it has been shown, a trader named Robert Scoon is the only 

 one by whom it has been recognized. He declares that he saw a 

 herd of them some years ago near the very spot I have described, 

 but could not succeed in killing one. It is, doubtless, very rare ; 

 and, judging from the formation of the foot, entirely confined to the 

 mountains. 



The females are somewhat smaller than the males, are provided 

 with shorter and slighter, but similarly shaped horns, and are simi- 

 larly marked ; a deep chestnut brown, verging upon black, taking 

 the place of the glossy black coat of the male. I did not obtain a 

 female specimen ; but whilst riding down the buck, I had abundant 

 opportunities of narrowly observing them within the distance of a few 

 yards, and am, therefore, positive as to the correctness of the descrip- 

 tion here given. 



I have for the present designated the new Antelope " Aigocerus 

 niger;" but of course it will rest with the Zoological Society either 

 to confirm that name, or to bestow one more appropriate or more 

 scientific ; and I shall be gratified by their doing so. 



I have the honour to be, sir. 



Your most obedient servant, 



W. C. Harris. 



