44 THE ANTELOPE OF AMERICA. 
affection for her, and repeatedly went away, escaping when it 
could ; and in one instance was caught several miles away. The 
female never escaped or went away without the male. They 
were often allowed to roam about the farm (200 acres) at will, 
and often strayed away to the neighbors, who would dog them 
home; and the antelopes seemed to enjoy it, and would act in a 
playful manner, apparently exulting in their superior speed, and 
tantalizing the dog by stopping, etc. They were affectionate 
and tame to those with whom they were familiar. During the 
rutting season, the buck was intensely cross and wicked to every 
one who came near.” The account given by Dr. Canfield shows 
us that they have strong local attachments, which, however, have 
been broken up by the advance of civilization, not only at the 
place where his observations were made more than twenty-five 
years ago, but in a large portion of the country where they were 
formerly so abundant. Probably in Canfield’s time they were 
more abundant in California than anywhere else; and yet, a 
quarter of a century later, scarcely any were there to be found. 
If they now appear to be less gregarious than he describes, it may 
be because of their diminished numbers every where; and if they 
wander now more than then, it is probably because they are 
more frequently disturbed. 
Of their combative disposition, I am not enabled to speak 
from personal observation. The three years’ old buck I had in 
my grounds never manifested the least disposition in that direc- 
tion, but I did not have him during the rut. Mr. Crooker’s 
letter shows that Mr. Cipperly’s manifested as belligerent a dispo- 
sition during the rut as any of the deer, and it is only then that 
any of them are disposed to fight among themselves or to make 
war on others. 
If the accounts of hunters may be relied upon, the mother does 
not lack courage in defense of her young, as it is said she attacks 
the coyote successfully with both feet and head. Her superior 
agility, no doubt, is of great service in such an encounter. It is 
said she conceals her young with great sagacity, till they are old 
enough to flee with her from their enemies. 
As to the belligerent disposition of the bucks during the rut, 
I quote from Audubon and Bachman:! “ The rutting season of 
this species commences in September; the bucks run for about 
six weeks, and during this period fight with great courage, and 
even a degree of ferocity. When a male sees another approach- 
™ Vol. ii., p. 197. 
