THE EUMINANT ORDER. 247 



As the Chamois' only •weapon of self-defence is flight, its 

 organs of sight, smell, and hearing, have attained a high 

 degree of perfection. It is but rarely surprised, consequently 

 can only be shot with a rifle of long range. In this arduous 

 and often unproductive chase, many a mountaineer has fallen 

 down precipices ; report even says that the Chamois, when pur- 

 sued by a himter, if it happens to be hemmed in or pressed too 

 closely, to open a passage for escape will turn round and face 

 the sportsman, endeavouring by the suddenness of its movements 

 to take him unawares, and precipitate him over the crags. 



On the approach of winter the Chamois quits the northern 

 side of the mountains, and betakes itself to the southern aspect ; 

 but it Aever descends into the plain. 



Gazelle (Gazella). — The Gazelle genus comprehends animals of 

 graceful shape, and rather smaller in size than the Chamois. They 

 have tear-pits, and their tails are short ; they have two teats ; 

 their colour is fawn or dim on the back, which is separated from 

 the white belly by a brown or blackish band. The horns, 

 which are stronger in the male than in the female, are twice 

 bent, in the shape of a lyre, and without sharp edges ; the 

 nostrils are generally surrounded by hair. 



The eyes of this animal are so beautiful and so soft in expres- 

 sion, its movements are so elegant and so light, that the Gazelle 

 is used by the Arab poets as the type of all that is lovely and 

 graceful. 



Gazelles proper are the species of this genus which are generally 

 to be seen in our parks and menageries. Such, for instance, as 

 the Dorqas Gazelle, which inhabits the large plains and Saharian 

 region of Northern Africa. It is the same size as a Roe, but its 

 shape is lighter and more graceful. 



Gazelles live in numerous herds, "which seem formed expressly," 

 as is cynically observed by Boitard, " to furnish food for Lions, 

 Panthers, Hyenas, Jackals, Wolves, Eagles, and Vultures." This 

 prey is, alas ! composed of gentle, timid, and inoffensive beings, 

 which have nothing but their rapid flight to oppose to their 

 stealthy foes. Sometimes, however, these animals exhibit a 

 kind of desperate courage. When their herd is surprised, they 

 crowd one against the other, and, arranged in a circle, make a 

 rush upon their assailants with their powerless horns. If their 



