oKDEiis OF ^[A^r^rAI,IA. 



339 



Sheep, (roats, and Antelopes, and are cbaracterised by liaviny horns, 

 which may be present in one or both sexes, and consist of a liorny 

 sheath surrounding a central bony axis, or " horn-core " (fig. 245). 

 The liorns are persistent, and are not [leriodically slied, and there 

 is usually only a single pair-, though soiuetiuies tliere are two pairs. 

 In the Prfjng-buck Antelope alone, the horny sheath which sur- 

 rounds the horn-core is annually shed and reproduced. In their 

 dentition, and in other respects, the C'aoicornia are to be regarded 

 as being the most typical examples of the Ruminantia, and they 

 include a luimlier of animals which are of the iiighest utility to 

 man. 



. 245.— Skull of the CiiiL Burtalo (Biihutvs caffrr'', viewi-.l fioiii aboVLV 

 showing the hoiii-coies. (Alter C'u\ii-i-.) 



The Antelopes form a very extensive group, closely resembling 

 the true Deer, but distinguished by the possession of holloic horns, 

 in place of so/id antlers. Most of the Antelopes are African, and 

 there are only two European forms (the C^hamois being one), while 

 America po.sse.sses only the Prong -buck {Anlilocapra farcifer). 

 Among the more familiar African species may be mentioned the 

 Koodoo (fig. 246), the <inu, the CJemsljok, and the Springbok. 

 Tlie Sheep and the Cioats (Oriilic) are closely allied to one another, 

 and are well known ijy their domestic varieties. All the Sheep are 

 natives of the Old Workl, with the exception of the "Big-horn" 

 {Oois montana) of the Rocky Mountains. Among the true Oxen 



