THE PRONG-HORN ANTELOPE. 



555 



mammal of its size, being nearly that of the elephant. It has a gentle expression, rivalling the 

 gazelle in its winning aspect. 



Long before the truth was known to Science, hunters had observed that the horns of this 

 animal were dropped, like those of the deer ; yet no definite information was elicited or 

 recorded. 



In 1848, Dr. Canfield, of California, sent the information to the Smithsonian Institute, 

 but the circumstance was so contrary to the usual or known examples, that no special interest 

 was awakened. 



In 1855, Mr. Bartlett, of the London Zoological Gardens, attested the fact by actual 

 observation in the gardens. In February following Dr. Canfield' s paper was published. The 



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KOCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT.— Aiilocerus americanw. 



creature has a hollow, deciduous horn, which envelops a persistent core, a process of the skull. 

 This shell is true horn, and has the same general system of growth as other horns, although it 

 is cast annually, like antlers of deer. 



It thus reveals an intermediate link between the two principal groups of hollow-horned 

 and solid-horned ruminants. The lower portion of the horn only is hollow — this is quite flat, 

 but the point is round and becomes polished by wear. A singular characteristic is seen in the 

 presence of numerous cutaneous glands — eleven in number — which secrete a pungent odor. 

 Those below the ears, particularly, are potent. 



The flesh is much prized, having the reputation of being superior to either beef or venison. 

 In fleetness it is said to excel all other animals of the plains, but soon loses " wind,"' and is easily 

 captured. It is particularly gregarious. Canfield says it is remarkably salacious, exceeding 

 even the goat in this respect. 



The Prong-horn is easily tamed, and soon loses its shyness and timid action. In leaping 

 it makes enormous horizontal distances. In common with all the hollow-horned ruminants, 

 it has a gall bladder, which is wanting in the deer family. The hair is qiiite unique in its 

 structure ; it is very light, each hair being a tube, flexible, and soft as velvet. 



