GEMS-BOK. 119 
constructs a subterraneous burrow, at the bottom of 
which it lies concealed during the daytime, and only 
ventures abroad on the approach of night to search 
for food and satisfy the other calls of nature. It is 
fond of the society of its own species: at least, many 
individuals have been found residing together in the 
same burrow; and, as they are of a timid and wary 
character, they have generally three or four different 
entrances to their holes, so that if attacked on one 
side they may secure a retreat in an opposite direc- 
tion. Notwithstanding the disproportionate length 
of their fore legs, they are said to run very fast; and 
so strong is their propensity to burrow, that one of 
M. De Lalande’s specimens, perceiving itself about 
to be run down and captured, immediately ceased its 
flight, and began to scratch up the ground, as if with 
the intention of making a new earth.” 
Gems-Bok, (Antilope Oryx, Pallas.) —Of all the 
fabulous animals of antiquity, whether produced by 
the fertile and unrestrained imagination of the Persians 
and Egyptians, or by the more chaste and classic taste 
of the Greeks, the unicorn is undoubtedly the most 
celebrated, and has in the most remarkable degree 
attracted the research and attention of the moderns. 
So strongly are the form and idea of this creature 
engraved in our minds, even from our earliest in- 
fancy, that it requires some degree of effort to per- 
suade ourselves of its actual non-existence ; and it is 
