THE RUMINANT ORDER. 
247 
As the Chamois’ only weapon of self-defence is flight, its 
organs of sight, smell, and hearing, have attained a high 
degree of perfection. It is but rarely surprised, consequently 
can only be shot with a rifle of long range. In this arduous 
and often unproductive chase, many a mountaineer has fallen 
down precipices ; report even says that the Chamois, when pur- 
sued by a hunter, if it happens to be hemmed in or pressed too 
closely, to open a passage for escape will turn round and face 
the sportsman, endeavouring by the suddenness of its movements 
to take him unawares, and precipitate him over the crags. 
On the approach of winter the Chamois quits the northern 
side of the mountains, and betakes itself to the southern aspect ; 
but it never descends into the plain. 
Gazelle ( Gazella ). — The Gazelle genus comprehends animals of 
graceful shape, and rather smaller in size than the Chamois. They 
have tear-pits, and their Tails are short ; they have two teats ; 
their colour is fawn or dun on the back, which is separated from 
the white belly by a brown or blackish band. The horns, 
which are stronger in the male than in the female, are twice 
bent, in the shape of a lyre, and without sharp edges ; the 
nostrils are generally surrounded by hair. 
The eyes of this animal are so beautiful and so soft in expres- 
sion, its movements are so elegant and so light, that the Gazelle 
is used by the Arab poets as the type of all that is lovely and 
graceful. 
Gazelles proper are the species of this genus which are generally 
to be seen in our parks and menageries. Such, for instance, as 
the Dorcas Gazelle, which inhabits the large plains and Saharian 
region of Northern Africa. It is the same size as a Doe, but its 
shape is lighter and more graceful. 
Gazelles live in numerous herds, “which seem formed expressly,” 
as is cynically observed by Boitard, “ to furnish food for Lions, 
Panthers, Hyaenas, Jackals, Wolves, Eagles, and Vultures.” This 
prey is, alas ! composed of gentle, timid, and inoffensive beings, 
which have nothing but their rapid flight to oppose to their 
stealthy foes. Sometimes, however, these animals exhibit a 
kind of desperate courage. When their herd is surprised, they 
crowd one against the other, and, arranged in a circle, make a 
rush upon their assailants with their powerless horns. If their 
