530 



THE CHAMOIS. 



It uses these horns with as much address as its near relative the Gems-bok, and if it 

 should be lying wounded on the ground, the hunter must beware of approaching the seemingly 

 quiescent animal, lest it should suddenly strike at him with its long and keenly-pointed horns, 

 while its body lies prostrate on the earth. Should it be standing at bay, it is a very dangerous 

 opponent, having a habit of suddenly lowering its head and charging forward with a quick, 

 lightning-like speed, from which its antagonist cannot escape without difficulty. 



The color of this animal is grayish-white upon the greater part of its person, and is 

 diversified by sundry bold markings of black and ruddy brown, which are spread over the 

 head and body in a manner that can be readily comprehended from the illustration. The 





ORYX.— Oryx leuwryx. 





height of the Oryx is rather more than three feet six inches, and the long curved horns are 

 upwards of three feet in length. These horns are set closely together upon the head, from 

 whence they diverge gradually to their extremities. These weapons are covered with rings at 

 their bases, but at their tips they are smooth and exceedingly sharp. Their color is black. 



The Oryx is a native of Northern Africa, where it is known xmder several names ; such as 

 Abou-Harb, El-Walrugh, El-Bukras, Ghau-Bahrein, or Jachmur. It lives in herds of con- 

 siderable size, and feeds mostly on the branches and leaves of a species of acacia. 



Goat-like in aspect, and very hircine in many of its habits, the Ghamois is often sup- 

 posed to belong to the goats rather than to the Antelopes. 



It is, however, a true Antelope, and may be readily distinguished from any of its relations 

 by the peculiar form of the horns, which rise straight from the top of the head for some inches, 

 and then suddenly curve backwards, so as to form a pair of sharp hooks. Formerly, this ani- 

 mal was reported to employ these ornaments in aiding itself to ascend or descend the frightful 



