THE MINOR ANTELOPES AND GAZELLES 337 



a clearly defined genus spread throughout the length of 

 Africa from Sahara southwards to the Cape. But while 

 the most northern and the most southern types (though 

 specifically quite distinct) clearly approximate most closely 

 inter se, yet we find these two races separated by a broad 

 zone of interposed forms which (while also closely agree- 

 ing inter se] are both radically different from (and also 

 physically inferior to) their congeners on north and south 

 respectively. Assuming that all such changes spring 

 from evolution and limiting that term ad hoc to develop- 

 ments that import advantage (or, say, "adaptation to 

 changing circumstance") we are confronted with a 

 paradox ; for in the present case development is neither 

 continuous, nor intergraded, nor consecutive, but precisely 

 the reverse. The tangle might be dissolved were it 

 permissible to assume that the type originated on the 

 Equator, but subsequently succeeded in discovering more 

 favouring environment as it spread away therefrom in 

 either latitude. But I am getting beyond my depth. 



After all, what advantage does the possession of horns, 

 as such be they bigger or less confer on the antelope- 

 tribe? Of course there is the quality of beauty, be it 

 for sexual adornment or otherwise. But, except in that 

 sense, do those horns subserve any useful purpose, 

 economic, offensive, or defensive? I have seen no 

 evidence of that. One witnesses little bouts between 

 the males, but they are mostly mere sham-fights and 

 rarely pressed home ; besides hornless animals indulge 

 equally in such diversions. Nature herself is in no 

 positive mood in this matter, since in some cases she has 

 granted horns to both sexes ; in others, only to one the 

 male. The acme of her uncertainty is exemplified in such 

 instances as that of the abounding Thomson gazelle 

 (the familiar "Tommy" of East Africa) wherein some 

 females are horned, "others hornless. Where Nature 

 cannot decide, surely I shall not presume to speak. 



The ethics of Nature are oft inscrutable. Our present 



Y 



