602 The American Antelope. [ October, 
The bucks, and, in a less degree, the does also, possess a singu- 
lar amount of curiosity strangely at variance with their habitual 
timidity. Any slowly moving or obscure object when seen at 
a short distance, for the first time, will almost invariably com- 
mand their instant attention, rendering them undecided and 
bewildered. Either by moving from side to side in a quick 
startled manner, or by standing perfectly motionless with head 
highly erect, at the same time repeating their peculiar shrill snort 
or whistle, they exhibit a ludicrous mingling of fear and inquisi- 
tiveness. So long as the object keeps in sight they continue to 
approach, often to within a few rods; but the moment they are 
fully satisfied of danger, or the object disappears, they are off with 
the fleetness of the wind, not often stopping till one or two miles 
are between them and the danger. The hunter frequently takes 
advantage of this trait to allure his game within easy range. A 
fluttering cloth, the barrel of his rifle, or the hunter’s heels, as he 
lies upon the ground, are often sufficient to attract them. One 
of my first experiences in hunting these animals has ever since 
afforded me amusement. Starting a small herd one evening, and 
not knowing how useless the attempt would be to follow them, I 
set out in pursuit. On seeing them go over the brow of a neigh- 
boring hill, I crept cautiously for several hundred yards till I 
reached its summit. Then rising to my feet I was myself startled 
by a shrill snort immediately behind me, and turning about per- 
ceived the animals gazing at me in intense astonishment but eight 
_ or ten rods away. They must have followed me for nearly a 
quarter of a mile as I crept along in the early dusk. 
When wounded and brought to bay they rarely evince any 
pugnacity,—in singular contrast with the mule deer (Cervus 
macrotis) of the same regions. I have known a buck when dis- 
abled and caught to stand bleating piteously while its throat was 
cut. Occasionally, however, they will turn and fight with des- 
peration, using both their feet and horns. 
In the regions where they abound they decrease slowly by 
reason of their enemies. They are difficult game even to the 
professional hunter, and certainly not many fall victims to the 
wolves. Several times I have watched the attempts of wpe 
to prey upon them, but never with success. The wolves craw 
: . s> Asai b stealth, 
ing through the grass attempt to seize their victims DY fub 
for, notwithstanding Mark Twain’s very graphic desefiption O° 
speed of the coyotes, they are hardly a match for the weer 
The warning snort of a buck quickly brings the herd compac®. 
