658 



THE DESCENT OF MAN 



with their heads between their forelegs, and in this attitude 

 the horns stand nearly parallel and close to the ground, with 

 the points directed forward and a little upward. The com- 

 batants then gradually approach each other, and each en- 

 deavors to get the upturned points under the body of the 

 other; if one succeeds in doing this, he suddenly springs 

 up, throwing up his head at the same time, and can thus 

 wound or perhaps even transfix his antagonist. Both ani- 

 mals always kneel down, so as to guard as far as possible 

 against this manoeuvre. It has been recorded that one of 

 these antelopes has used his horns with effect even against 



FiQ. 63.— Oryx leuooryx, male (from the Knowsley Menagerie). 



a hon; yeTTrom being force'u to-^Jrctce'iis head between the 

 forelegs in order to bring the points of tfe hot ns forward, 

 he would generally be under a great disadvanfee'when at- 

 tacked by any other animal. It is, therefore, 'not probable 

 that the horns have been modified into their pifesent great 

 length and peculiar position as a protection against beasts of 

 prey. We can, however, see that, as soon aa some ancient 

 male progenitor of the Oryx acquired moderately long horns, 

 directed a little backward, he would be compVle^. i° ^""^ 

 battles with rival males, to bend his head some^^Hat inward 

 or downward, as is now done by certain stag&L; and it is not 

 improbable that he might have acquired the hfbit of at first 



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