CLASS MAMMALS: ORDEK UNGULATA. 



65 



The Gnu resembles the horse, buffalo, and deer. It is, 

 however, a bovine antelope.* 



Fig. 95. 



gnu, Gnu. 



The Oryx, or Gemsbok, is sometimes called the Unicorn, 

 as its straight horns, seen in profile, so exactly cover each 

 other as to seem but one. It is 

 the only antelope that defends 

 itself against the lion; receiv- 

 ing its enemy on the point of 

 its sharp horns, which serve as 

 natural bayonets. 



The Goat, 

 its diversity in form, color, 

 shape of horns, and in fineness 

 of hair — which in some species 

 approximates wool — possesses 

 characteristics bringing it into 

 the unity of a genus. It is an 

 indiscriminate feeder, thriving 

 upon many plants that are poisonous to other ruminants, and 



notwithstanding 



. oryx, GemBbok. 



* Gnus live in herds, often mixing witli ostriches, 'zebras, and giraiies in one 

 great mass. When alarmed they spring up, and whisking their long white tails, pur- 

 sue one another at full speed, pawing, kicking, and the bulls fighting and tumbling 

 down at every shock. Tills strange conduct has given them the name of Wildebeeste 

 among the Dutch settlers. Gnus are so timid that at the first sight of a strange 

 object they will set off as if half-crazy with fear, but their curiosity soon leads them to 

 return to inspect it, though at the risk of their lives. A hunter, by merely tying a 

 ■redhandkerchief to the muzzle of his gun, has thus enticed a herd within musket 

 range. He must look out, however, lest they charge down upon him so savagely as 

 in torn to put him to flight.— (JTooii.) 



