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THE NYLGHAU. 



nearly straight, and wrinkled near the base. The general color is dark chestnut, black 

 above, and marked with a streak of white along the spine, together with some white 

 spots about the body. The ears are large and round. The female is without horns, 

 smaller and lighter colored. The animal is extremely watchful, and requires the per- 

 fection of bush-craft to be surprised. 



These beasts are generally found in couples, male and female, although sometimes 

 an old ram leads a hermit life. The Kaffirs frequently cautioned me about these solitary 

 animals, but I never actually saw any signs of a ferocious disposition except when 

 brought to bay, and under such circumstances even a rat will fight. I have heard that 

 the tiger-bosch-katte (the serval) has been found dea<ji in the bush, pierced by the horns 

 of the Bosch-bok. 



BOSCH-BOK. - Tragelaphus sylvatica. 



The wooded districts from the colony even to Delagoa Bay and some distance inland 

 are the resorts of this Antelope. Although frequently passing from three to four days per 

 week in the bush, I never saw more than a dozen black Bosch-boks, even though their 

 spoor was imprinted on the ground in all directions, thus proving that they were numerous. 

 Frequently I have heard the sharp crack of some twig as it-snapped, in the distance, and 

 upon approaching the spot have found that a Bosch-bok had retired. Seldom by fair 

 stalking can this crafty and wary Antelope be slain. The Kaffirs frequently form large 

 hunting parties, and by ( spooring ' their tracks and surrounding the bush in which they 

 are concealed, drive them out and despatch them with assagais. This is, however, but a 

 butcherly proceeding, and one which no true sportsman would follow. The Bosch-bok is 

 so wary, so rare, and so beautiful an Antelope, that any one may feel delighted if he can 

 fairly procure one or two specimens during his sporting career." 



PASSING from Africa to Asia, we find a curious and handsome Antelope, partaking of 

 many of the characteristics which are found in the Koodoo and the bosch-bok. This 

 is the NYLGHAU, an inhabitant of the thickly wooded districts of India. 



This magnificent Antelope is rather more than four feet high at the shoulders, and its 

 general color is a slate-blue. The face is marked with brown or sepia ; the long neck is 



