366 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



represented by a small Rietbok (Cervicapra), which appears to be 

 either the South African Lesser Rietbok (C. lalandei), or the 

 East African Bohor (C. bohor). Without exact information as to 

 locality, it is, however, somewhat difficult to determine these 

 species apart from comparison in a museum. Although of small 

 size, this Rietbok is apt to be somewhat too free with his antlers, 

 and visitors should consequently keep at a respectful distance. 



By far the prettiest sight in the same enclosure is to watch 

 the members of a herd of Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) rush 

 by in a long string, one after the other, taking at intervals 

 enormous leaps into the air. This they always do when 

 approached, and indeed appear the very incarnation of sportive 

 delight. At times the old buck will approach strangers, with his 

 horns thrown back, his nose in the air, and his facial glands 

 dilated, walking in the peculiar mincing manner which is so 

 characteristic of its kind. Gazelles do not form a strong point 

 in the collection, although there is a pretty little pair of the 

 Dorcas {Gazella dorcas). The buck of these is remarkable for 

 the peculiarly forward curvature of the tips of his horns, a 

 feature which, although by no means uncommon in the species, 

 is but seldom so strongly developed. The list of Antelopes 

 closes with a small herd of Indian Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelns), 

 which are allowed to wander freely about the park. It is some- 

 what curious that nearly all of the species which are allowed to 

 roam freely have particular favourite haunts, near which they 

 are almost sure to be found. In winter they are allowed access 

 to open sheds, where abundance of food is supplied, and where 

 they can find shelter if so disposed. 



The smaller mammals do not find especial favour at Woburn, 

 where attention is paid particularly to the ruminants ; but one 

 paddock is tenanted by a number of Wallabies, which appear 

 just as much at home as in their native Australian bush; while 

 here and there in the same enclosure a Mara, or Patagonian 

 Cavy (Dolichotis patagonica) , may be observed slyly making its 

 way with its peculiar " looping " gait. 



To do justice to the collection of Game and Water Birds at 

 Woburn would require the pen of a professed ornithologist. 

 Among the latter an especial feature is the unique collection of 

 Swans, which comprises representatives of all the known species 

 save two, one of these missing species being of extreme rarity. 



