DESCRIPTION OF THE GNUS. 



25 



THE GNUS.* 



The GNU and the BKINDLED GNU are two of the most grotesque of creatures. With the head not 

 unlike that of a small Cape Buffalo, it has the limbs and hind-quarters not unlike those of a pony, in 

 proportions as well as size. The nose is broad and flattened, with a bristly muzzle. The horns are 

 broad at the base, where they nearly meet, and after turning downward as well as forward, they again 

 turn up abruptly in a hook-like manner. They are found abundantly in Southern Africa, where, as 

 their flesh is worthless, they are not much hunted. They are extremely wild and fearless, and 

 remarkably tenacious of life. Their speed is great, and they have a habit of prancing about and 

 kicking out furiously when suspecting danger. Both species have a mane along the neck, and lengthy 

 hair between the forelegs. In both the tail is long, covered with a mass of hair not unlike that of 

 the Horse. 



The Common Gnu is of a deep brown-black, the tail and mane being white, whilst the bushy 

 beard, running back to the chest and between the forelegs, is black. Lengthy black hairs, diverging 



and ascending from a median line, cover the upper part of the nose, at the same time that other 

 smaller tufts under the eyes help to give a most ferocious aspect to the face. From Captain Harris's 

 description of the animals of South Africa, an excellent idea of the peculiarities of the creature may be 

 gained. " Of all quadrupeds," he writes, " the Gnoo is probably the most awkward and grotesque. 

 Nature doubtless formed him in one of her freaks, and it is scarcely possible to contemplate his un- 

 gainly figure without laughter. Wheeling and prancing in every direction, his shaggy and bearded 

 head arched between his slender and muscular legs, and his long white tail streaming in the wind, 

 this ever-wary animal has at once a ferocious and ludicrous appearance. Suddenly stopping, showing 

 an imposing front, and tossing his head in mock defiance, his wild red sinister eyes flash fire, and his 

 snort, resembling the roar of a Lion, is repeated with energy and effect. Then lashing his sides with 

 his floating tail, he plunges, bounds, kicks up his heels with a fantastic flourish, and in a moment is 

 off at speed, making the dust fly behind him as he sweeps across the plain." 



In the Brindled Gnu the front of the face lacks the lengthy hair of its ally ; the tail is also black 

 instead of white. Its body colour is a dirty dun, variegated with obscure pale streaks. This species, 

 as well as the Common Gnu, is the constant companion of the equally abundant Quaggas of the same 

 region. 



* The genus CatoUepas. 



