THE BLACK WILDEBEEST OR WHITE-TAILED GNU 
the horns are very much smaller and slighter, and all the features which 
distinguish the bull, though present, are less accentuated. As in all the 
species of wildebeests, there are four teats, whilst in all the hartebeests 
there are only two. 
The black wildebeest once ran in large herds throughout its somewhat 
restricted range, just as does its relative the blue wildebeest to-day, 
wherever it is still plentiful. When approached on horseback, single black 
wildebeest bulls, or small parties of bulls, or certain members of large 
herds were accustomed to indulge in all sorts of extraordinary gambols, but 
they always took good care to keep well out of range of the rifles used in 
those days. They would gallop round in circles, often throwing their heels 
high in the air, sometimes running with their heads turned sideways and 
held close to the ground, and always whisking their long white tails in all 
directions. During these displays two bulls would often indulge in a sham 
fight, going down on their knees, butting their heads together, and, then 
rising to their feet, would prance off again. As soon as they found, however, 
that the approaching rider meant to interfere with them, they gave up 
playing and galloped off; and, personally, I always found black wilde- 
beests not only amongst the fleetest, but also amongst the most enduring 
of all African antelopes. A wildebeest, to whatever species it may belong, 
should always be approached with caution when wounded, as it will be 
very likely to make a swift and sudden charge, which may have fatal 
consequences if unexpected, as it can use its formidable horns with great 
effect. I remember seeing a large dog belonging to a Boer farmer thrown 
high in the air by a black wildebeest bull. It was, however, only bruised 
and shaken, as it had been caught in the crook of one of the horns, and 
not impaled on its point. 
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