HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 97 



their length, but smooth towards the ends, which 

 are turned a little inwards : the forehead is flat, and 

 broad at the top; and has a forelock, standing 

 erect, .the whole length of it : its nose is sharp ; and 

 its breast is covered with a loose skin. 



This animal is of an ash colour, inclining a little 

 towards blue; has a thin upright mane, quite black, 

 which extends from the nape of its neck along the 

 top of the back; it has a tuft of black hair at the 

 end of the tail. 



The Elk- Antelopes live chiefly in plains and val- 

 lies ; and, when hunted, always run, if possible, 

 against the wind : they are not very swift ; and 

 being in general fat, especially the males, which 

 are always the largest 'and fattest in the herd, are 

 soon tired. The hunter generally endeavours to 

 get to windward of the animal, and when he has 

 accomplished this, takes an opportunity of throw- 

 ing himself from his Horse, and instantly shoots 

 the flying game: at this practice, the Dutch colo- 

 nists at the (.ape are so expert as seldom* to fail. 

 Sparrman says, there have been many instances 

 where keen sportsmen, as well for their own plea- 

 sure as convenience, have hunted Elk-Antelopes 

 and other Gazelles, for many miles together, from 

 the open plains, and driven them to their own 

 doors, before they thought it worth while to shoot 

 them. 



The female has horns like the male, but smaller. 

 They are used by the Hottentots for tobacco-pipes. 



VOL. 111. 



