6l2 UNGULATA. 



slate-blue tint which colors the form of the male. The hind-legs of this 

 animal are rather shorter than the foi-e-legs. Its name, Nylghau, is of 

 Persian origin, and signifies " Blue Ox." 



It does not seem to be of a social disposition, and is generally found 

 in pairs inhabiting the borders of the jungle. There are, however, many 

 examples of solitary males. It is a shy and wary animal, and the hunter 

 who desires to shoot one of these antelopes is obliged to exert his bush- 

 craft to the utmost in order to attain his purpose. To secure a Nylghau 

 requires a good marksman as well as a good stalker, for the animal is 

 very tenacious of life, and if not struck in the proper spot will carry off a 

 heavy bullet without seeming to be much the worse at the time. The 

 native chiefs are fond of hunting the Nylghau, and employ in the chase 

 a whole army of beaters and trackers, so that the poor animal has no 

 chance of fair play. These hunts are not without their excitement, for 

 the Nylghau's temper is of the shortest, and when it feels itself aggrieved, 

 it suddenly turns upon its opponent, drops on its knees, and leaps for- 

 ward with such astounding rapidity, that the attack can hardly be 

 avoided, even when the intended victim is aware of the animal's in- 

 tentions and is prepared for the attack. 



Even in domesticated life the Nylghau retains its hasty and capricious 

 temper, and though there may have been several successive generations 

 born into captivity, the young Nylghaus display the same irritable tem- 

 per as their parents. Its disposition is very uncertain, and not to be 

 depended upon. It takes offence at trifles, and instantly attacks the 

 object of its dislike. The flesh is coarse and insipid, and the animal is of 

 ho great value commercially. 



The next sub-family, Orygin.e, comprises two genera, which are dis- 

 tinguished chiefly by the formation of the horns. Both genera are 

 depicted on the oldest monuments of Egypt and Nubia. In the Great 

 Pyramid one of these animals is represented with one horn, and hence it 

 is supposed that the legend of the Unicorn has arisen. 



GENUS ORYX. 



The four species of Oryx belong to the largest and heaviest class of 

 antelopes, but in spite of their stout figure, they give the spectator an 

 impression of majesty. Both sexes have horns which are very long and 



