OEDEES OP MAMMALIA. 



303 



other respects, the Cavicornia are to be regarded as being 

 the most typical examples of the Muminantia, and they in- 

 clude a number of animals which are of the highest utility to 

 man. The Antelopes form a very extensive group, closely re- 

 sembling the true Deer, but distinguished by the possession 

 of hollow horns, in place of solid antlers. Most of the Ante- 

 lopes are African, and there are only two European forms (the 

 Chamois being one), while America possesses only the Prong- 

 buck [Antilope furcifer). Among the more familiar African 

 species may be mentioned the Gazelle, the Koodoo (Fig. 151), 



Fig. 151. — Antelopidie. Head of the Koodoo (Strepsioeros Koodoo). 



the Gnu, the Gemsbok, and the Springbok. The Sheep and 

 the Goats ( Ovidce) are closely allied to one another, and are 

 well known by their domestic varieties. All the Sheep appear 

 to be natives of the Old World, with the exception of the 

 " Bighorn " ( Ovis montana) of the Eocky Mountains. Among 

 the true Oxen {JBovidce) the most important species is the 

 domestic Ox {Bos taurus) with its innumerable varieties. The 

 true Buffalos {Buhalus) are natives of Asia and Africa, and 

 are characterized by their wide horns united at the base. The 

 American Buffalo, or Bison, as it is properly called {Bison 

 Americanus), is distinguished by its enormous head, shaggy 

 mane, and conical hump between the shoulders. America also 

 possesses another singular Ox in the person of the Musk Ox 

 {Ovibos moschatus), which is found north of the 60th parallel, 

 and is remarkable for its small size and long, woolly coat. 



Order VIT. Htbacoidea (Gr. hitrax, a shrew; eidos, 

 form). — This order includes only a single small genus {Byraa), 



