320 



CASSELL'S POPULAR NATURAL HISTORY. 



the troop, not in a tumultuous mass, but in single file, following a leader. Their speed, as might be 

 expected from the vigour and compactness of the body and limbs, is very great. Sometimes, however, 

 when any object of apprehension appears, they do not exert it, but plunge about, flinging out their 

 heels, butting and tossing up their heads, and exhibiting great fury. But seldom do they venture on 

 an attack, unless hard pressed or wounded, when they defend themselves with desperation ; dropping on 

 their knees, they dart forward on their assailants with extraordinary force and impetuosity, and, unless 

 he be cool and prepared, he catmot escape his fate. 



II. BOVINE ANTELOPES. 

 These creatures have the nose moderately broad, with a moderate or small bald, moist muffle ; 



THE ELANU. 



the horns high on the frontal ridge; the grinders rather small, without supplemental lobes; the 



at the end. 



central cutting teeth enUu 



THE HARNESSED ANTELOPE.* 



Tin: singular marks, like the straps of harness, which appear on its bndy, have given this animal its 

 name. Its habitat is Western Africa. A herd of these creatures lived in the late Earl of Derby's 

 menagerie at Knowsley ; and a beautiful specimen may be seen in the Zoological Gardens. 



THE ELAND.f 



THIS is the largest, heaviest, and most useful of all the antelopes. It is the gibier, par excellence, of 

 the South African wilderness; its brisket is "the dainty bit to set before the king." On the death 

 of the late Earl of Derby, two males and three females, one of which had been born at Kuowsley, 

 became, by bequest, the property of the Zoological Society. . 



* Tragtltplini tcriptUA f Bcselfljilii's Orcas. Anlilope Chess. Pallas. 



