268 
THE STORY OF THE ANTELOPE . 
THE BLESSBOK. 
The blessbok and the closely-allied bontebok, are smaller South African 
antelopes. In both species the horns are compressed, with the rings strongly 
marked. For a short distance they run almost parallel, and then curve 
backwards. Their usual length is about 15 inches. Both species are charac¬ 
terized by their brilliant purple-red color, and the broad white “blaze” down 
A WATER BUCK. 
the face, from which the blessbok takes its name. In height the blessbok 
Stands about 3 feet 2 inches or rather more at the withers, but the bontebok 
may reach from 3 feet 2 inches to 3 feet 11 inches. 
The blessboks resemble the smaller springbok in manners and habits. 
They differ from the latter in the determined and invariable way in which 
