190 
CAPRIDJ3. 
Fiom an animal of so extraordinary form as that 
we hare been just considering’, we proceed to the 
fourth great family of the Rumhiantia, placed by 
Major Smith under the title of Capridcc ; but there 
is an evident gap of connexion on both sides of the 
Giraffe, which will undoubtedly yet be filled by the 
discovery of some animal of this oi-der in the interior 
of Africa, traces or hints of something allied having 
been already given by several travellers in that fatal, 
but yet almost unexplored, interior. The Capridae 
contain animals still possessing great grace and swift- 
ness, and gentle dispositions, and many of great uti- 
lity to man in a domesticated state. Their great 
distinction from the Cervine or Deer Group, is in the 
horns being persistent. Interiorly, they are a pro- 
longation of the bone of the skull, of a very cellular 
texture, and nourished by appropriate vessels and 
nerves, while the external covering is the substance 
called horn, covering the other like a sheath, and 
also nourished from the root. The horns scarcely 
evei divaricate, or run into antlers, one animal where 
there is an exception being placed at the commence- 
ment of the Family. The character of the horn in 
