CHAP. XXI 
AFR/CAJV ANTELOPES 
175 
are spreading, and the similarity to those of the 
buffalo is at once perceived, but in Central Africa 
the horns are closer together, more upright, and 
generally more massive in the base. 
The head of the A. bubalis is very extra¬ 
ordinary in shape; the skull rises about 4 inches 
above the brain cavity, and the horns are rooted 
upon this projection. If the entire head is not 
required as a trophy, this portion may be sawn 
off without disturbing the position of the horns, 
or in any way interfering with the actual cranium. 
The horns appear to be carefully arranged for 
defence, as they rise almost perpendicular with 
the skull for about a foot, and then turn back for 
7 or 8 inches, terminating in extremely sharp points. 
When the head is lowered to receive an attack, 
these points are presented to the enemy, and a 
sudden lift would be certain to npale. 
The colour of the skin is a beautiful chestnut, 
inclining to red ; the texture of the coat is ex¬ 
ceedingly fine, and in the bright sunlight it glistens 
like that of a well-groomed hunter. 
Although the live weight of this animal would 
exceed 560 lbs., it is one of the fastest antelopes, 
and is more difficult to overtake than any other. 
In fact, I have never seen a horse that has been 
able to run down a tetel, and the Hamran Arabs 
would not as a rule attempt the chase. I have 
ridden after them on several occasions upon a 
good horse, and I have imagined that I gained 
upon the herd, but when within about 100 yards 
