NATURAL HISTORY. 



133 



CATOBLEPAS. (Gr. KarapMiruv, looking down.) 



Gnu, the Gnoo. 



" When the hunter approaches the old bulls, they commence 

 whisking their long white tails in a most eccentric manner ; 

 then springing suddenly into the air, they begin prancing and 

 capering, and pursue each other in circles at their utmost 

 'speed. Suddenly they all pull up together, to overhaul the 

 intruder, when two of the bulls will often commence fighting 

 in the most violent manner, dropping on their knees at every 

 shock ; then quickly wheeling about, they kick up their heels, 

 whirl their tails with a fantastic flourish, and scour across the 

 plain enveloped in a cloud of dust." * 



The size of the Gnoo is about that of a well-grown ass, that 

 is, about four feet in height. Its flesh is in great repute both 

 among the natives and colonists. 



* Cumming's South Africa, 



