NATURAL HISTORY. 



TORTAX. (Gr. IIopTaf, a Calf.) 



Picta (Lat. painted], the Nylghau 



The NYLGHAU, one of the largest and most magnificent of 

 the Antelopes, inhabits the forests of India. It is extremely 

 vicious, and cannot be approached without danger. Its method 

 of attack is similar to that of the gnoo, namely, dropping 

 upon its knees and then springing violently forward. The 

 tiger is its great enemy > and often destroys it in spite of its 

 courage. During the day the Nylghau conceals itself in the 

 forests, and at night leaves its coverts to feed, often doing no 

 inconsiderable harm to adjacent cultivated lands. 



The colour of this creature is a slaty blue ; it has however 

 several white spots, and from its throat and shoulders hangs 

 a dense bunch of hair. It is about the same size as the 

 gnoo, standing about four feet high at the shoulder. 



