i86 The West American Scientist. 



at any moment to be dashed to pieces, or strewn over the prairies, 

 of the west, it is useless to say our minds immediately reverted to 

 home and friends. Regardless of danger he pushed on and soon 

 ran up by the little fellow, when to our surprise, we found him to 

 be not more than six weeks old. 



In making a sudden turn for an opposite direction, the little fel- 

 low gave way and fell by the side of our carriage. A more piteous 

 and mercy imploring appeal, never came from the lips of man, 

 than was expressed in the bleating of that innocent little creature. 

 As quickly as our team could be checked, three of us sprang from 

 the carriage to bag our game, but were surprised to find it escap- 

 ing, at no small pace in an opposite direction. 



Thus, freed from our danger, Mr Seeley was left to continue 

 the chase alone, while we were delighted to remain as observers. 

 No sooner would Mr. Seeley overtake the little fellow, than it 

 would turn in an opposite direction, and while he was making a 

 gradual turn to prevent upsetting it would get far in advance. 

 This manner of chasing by abrupt turns, was kept up for several 

 miles; and as his strength gradually failed, he was thrown by the 

 artfulness of the driver; into a gradual circle, and being pressed 

 by his pursuer from the outside, his circle became smaller and 

 smaller as his strength departed. 



During these miles of chase we could only look on with anxious 

 delight; but at last enclosed in the circle, which had been rounded 

 up to small dimensions, our chase began. His strength almost 

 exhausted, and Mr. Hughes being the swiftest on foot, succeeded 

 in capturing the prize. Notwithstanding his almost breathless 

 condition, his bleats for mercy were the most piteous. We had 

 captured a beautiful specimen of the antelope about six weeks 

 old, and considered ourselves amply paid for the chase. 



Fortunately for it. as well as our ponies, we had taken several 

 I ottles of water with us in anticipation of our own thirst, which 

 we used to drench it, thus quenching his thirst and moistening his 

 parched lips. Our ponies were treated likewise, and after a few 

 minutes rest, were ready to continue our drive. Our prize was 

 taken into the carriage and carefully nursed by Mr. Hughes 

 through the entire journey. We returned to La Junta about 12 

 o'clock, and after looking after the welfare of our captive, enjoyed 

 a hearty dinner. Mr. Seeley being the most entitled to the fruits 

 of our chase, was given the prize. 



A nurse's bottle was provided, which the little fellow soon 

 learned to use with a reHsh, and by night it had become quite 

 gentle. We had no means of determining the distance ran, but 

 felt perfectly safe in saying that nothing short ot ten miles would 

 cover it. The greatest surprise was that the litde fellow ran as 

 long as he did. We left La Junta that night greatly pleased with 

 the chase, leaving the little captive behind. 



Valparaiso, Ind. W. A. Barr. 



