

VERTEBRATA. 



• ■■ ■ . 



M . . .-■■ f.SllKN. -T< . < iU» I: 





THE KOODOO. 



ities, if their dark and uniform color did not distinguish them. They live in extensive herds on the 

 karroos of South Africa, and are wild and difficult to approach. When wounded, they will turn 

 upon the hunter and pursue him, dropping on their knees before making an attack, and then 

 darting forward with amazing force and velocity. When first alarmed, they commence by fling 

 ing \ip their heels and capering like a restive horse, tossing their heads and tails, and butting at 

 the- mole-hills or other objects, but immediately after taking to flight, and traversing the desert 

 with a speed which soon carries them beyond the reach of danger. They do not run in a con- 

 fused crowd like Bheep or oxen, but in single file, following a leader, and have a pleasing appear- 

 and- as they ski \cr the level plains. They are said to be subject to a cutaneous eruption at 



particular b< : the year, which they sometimes communicate to domestic cattle, and which 



invariably ends in death. 



Tie- Kokoon, Anlilope Taurina of BurchelL, and found in Abyssinia, is regarded by some 

 naturalists as identical with the common emu. 



The Gorgon or Hkixdled Gnu, 0. Gorgon, has a convex, smooth face, covered with hair lying 

 toward the nose, the chesl uol being maned. It is of a black color, varied and striped with gray. 

 It is the Bastard Wild, Hirst of the Dutch at the <'apc. It lives to the north of the NuGareepor 

 Black River, and thongh herds feed on its banks, it is not known to cross it. It occurs on the • 

 large plains north of the Orange River, and when alarmed each herd decamps in long, regular 

 The flesh is much sought after. The Bechnanas use the skins for their cloaks and mantles. 



nus 8TREPSICEROS : Strepsiceros. — Of this genus is the Koodoo, 'S. coudou, or Kudu. 

 the Oondoma of Buffon, the Antilope Strepsiceros of Pallas, one of the largest of an ti lopes, • 



