284 



EASTERN ETHIOPIA xxii 



is known ns the Tufted Beisa [Oryx 



African form 

 calloti>i). 



The oryx is a beautiful antelope and stands four feet 

 at the shoulders and weighs from 400 to 450 pounds. 

 The horns, which sometimes attain a length of three 

 feet, are annulated in the basal and polished in the 



Tho Beisa Antelope (Oryx hei«a). This antelope is independent 

 of water and flourishes where vegetation is scanty. When 

 a herd of orj'x is on the march their long horns produce 

 an appearance not unlike a regiment of soldiers marching 

 with fixed bayonets. 



terminal half. The horns of the female are thinner and 

 apt to be less symmetrical than those of the male. 



When wounded or brought to bay the oryx is a bold 

 a,utelope, and must be aj^proached with caution, for he 

 will sweejD the ground with these long horns in a deter- 

 mined fashion. The oryx can go without water for a 

 long period, depending on the heavy dew for moisture. 



The Beisa antelope is also met Avith in East Africa, 



