1812. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PAALA. 
301 
numerous in most parts of the country of the Bachapins, it is rarely 
to be seen southward of the Kamhanni Mountains. It much resem- 
bles the springbuck in form and general color. It is, however, con- 
siderably larger, and has not those remarkable long white hairs on 
the back, which have been described * as peculiar to that antelope ; 
but it takes occasionally the same leaps ; and in this particular, 
as well as in general habits, it may be considered as a proximate 
species. Its color, as the Dutch name implies, is every where, on the 
upper parts of the body, of a uniform yellowish red, but darker than 
that of the springbuck. The sides are of a paler tint ; and the under 
parts are white. The tips of the ears, are black ; and the face is of a 
browner color than the body. The tail is short and white, and along 
the upper part a short black line run on to the rump. A similar 
black line or stripe passes down the hinder part of the haunch. 
These lines are not found on the springbuck, which on the contrary 
is marked along its sides with a broad dark stripe which is wanting in 
the paala. At the back of the hind legs just above the foot, is a 
remarkable black tuft of short hair, which has suggested its technical 
name.f With respect to its horns, this species differs essentially 
from the springbuck ; not only in having them of a different form, 
more than twice as long and spreading much wider apart, but in the 
want of them in the females. This last character, though at variance 
with the only systematic description which has hitherto been given, 
is certainly correct, as we shot, during these travels, not less than 
twenty paalas of both sexes, and saw several hundred others. It is a 
handsome and elegantly-made animal ; but in beauty of color, yields 
to the springbuck. Its flesh is well-tasted and wholesome : but, like 
that of nearly all other antelopes, is very deficient in fat. This is one 
of the more rare species. Of the kokoon, described in the preceding 
chapter, and of the following animal, the skins obtained on this 
* At page 290. of the first volume. 
f Antilope melampus, Licht. : Of this animal, and of the Springbuck, I have pre- 
sented skins to the British Museum, where their differential characters and affinity, as 
above mdicated, may be confirmed. 
