170 THE SPRING-ROK. 
of the body and the pure white of the abdomen. The face is rather curiously 
marked with two stripes of contrasting colours, one a dark black-brown line 
that passes from the eye to the curves of the mouth, and the other a white 
streak that begins.at the horns and extends as far as the muzzle. The hinder 
quarters, too, are marked with white, which is very preceptible when the 
animal is walking directly from the spectator. 
THE SPRING-BOK derives its very appropriate title from the extraordinary 
leaps which it is in the constant habit of making whenever it is alarmed. 
As soon as it is frightened at any real or fancied danger, or whenever it 
desires to accelerate its pace suddenly, it leaps high into the air with a 
curiously easy movement, 
rising to a height of seven or 
eight feet without any diffi- 
culty, and being capable on 
occasions of reaching the 
3) height of twelve or thirteen 
feet. When leaping, the back 
is greatly curved, and the 
creature presents a _ very 
curious aspect, owing to the 
sudden exhibition of the long 
white hairs that cover the 
\ croup, and are nearly hidden 
by the folds of skin when 
the creature is at rest, but 
which come boldly into view 
as soon as the protecting 
skin-fold is obliterated by 
the tension of the muscles 
that serve to propel the animal in its aérial course. : 
The Spring-bok is a marvellously timid animal, and will never cross a road 
if it can avoid the necessity. When it is forced to do so, it often com- 
promises the difficulty by leaping over the spot which has been tainted by 
the foot of man. The colour of the Spring-bok is very pleasing, the ground 
tinting being a warm cinnamon-brown upon the upper surface of the body, 
and pure white upon the abdomen, the two colours being separated from 
each other by a broad band of reddish brown. The flesh of the Spring-bok 
is held in some estimation, and the hide is in great request for many useful 
purposes. : : : 
Inhabiting the vast plains of Southern Africa, the Spring-bok is accustomed 
to make pilgrimages from one spot to another, vast herds being led by their 
chiefs, and ravaging the country over which they pass as if they were locusts. 
THE GEMS-BOK, or KOUKAAM, is a large and powerful member of the 
Antelope tribe, equalling the domestic ass in size, and measuring about three 
feet ten inches at the shoulder. The manner in which the hide is decorated 
with boldly contrasted tints gives it a very peculiar aspect. The general hue 
is grey, but along the back, upon the hinder quarters, and along the flanks, 
the colour is deep black. A black streak also crosses the face, and, passing 
under the chin, gives it the appearance of wearing harness. It has a short, 
erect mane, and long, sweeping, black tail, and its heavy horns are nearly 
straight from base to tip. no, . 
The long and sharply-pointed horns with which its head is armed are 
terrible weapons of offence, and can be wielded with marvellous skill. 
Striking right and left with these natural bayonets, the adult Gems-bok is a 
match for most of the smaller carnivora, and has even been known to wage a 
SPRING-BOK—(Axtidorcas Euchore.) 
