ORDER RUMINANTIA. 219 



but less obviously so in the lateral bands of darker colour, 

 and in the greater expansion of the suborbital sinus. It 

 differs in the horns, never being truly lyrated, often sub- 

 spiral or spiral, and in their total absence in the females. 

 The group is likewise distinguished by an incipient muzzle 

 or small moist space between the nostrils, destitute of 

 hair, and all the species are more elevated at the croup 

 than at the shoulders. As in the former, the larger species 

 live in families or small flocks, on various ground, but the 

 smaller herd in vast numbers exclusively on the open 

 plain, concealing themselves only during parturition in 

 high grass or weeds. The component species are spread 

 over nearly the whole of Africa and partially on Eastern 

 Europe and the plains of the west, and middle, and chiefly 

 Southern Asia. Among animals of such delicate confor- 

 mation no great vigour of character is to be expected ; yet 

 the males of some species have, at least, the pugnacious 

 spirit of jealousy, and expel the weaker from the herd, 

 retaining a degree of viciousness even in confinement. 

 Acuteness of scent is a common property of the genus, 

 but most particularly the attribute of this group ; some of 

 which appear to possess this organ communicating with 

 the suborbital sinus* and to consult it on all occasions. If 

 bread be offered them which has been handled, they will 

 reject it ; the flavour of an orange is agreeable, for they 

 will not only smell it with the nostrils, but, willing to 

 flatter themselves still more, they apply the suborbital 

 pores in like manner, and seem to inhale the odour with 

 great pleasure. 



The Pallah. (A. Melampus.) This beautiful species 

 was first figured and described by Professor Lichtenstein, 

 who obtained a specimen during his travels in Caffraria. 

 It is placed at the head of this group, because it is the 

 largest. The horns have a lyrate tendency, and the females 

 are represented by Mr. Daniel, as being without them. If 



Q 2 



