XXI 
AFRICAN ANTELOPES 
179 
freshly gathered from the tree ; the outside is hard, 
but the centre contains liquid gum, which would 
become hard in the course of time. If the round 
lumps, resembling Mandarin oranges, are packed 
together, they become exceedingly dry and brittle, 
losing their shape, and crumbling into small pieces, 
such as arrive in England under the well-known 
name of “gum-arabic.” 
Almost all wild animals are attracted by this 
gum when, in the driest season, the mimosas are 
in full bearing. The dog-faced baboons ( Cyno- 
cep halu s) may be seen in large troops, all bent 
upon the gum - collecting industry. With the 
order of human beings they march along, the 
females carrying their young upon their backs, 
until some well-furnished trees are sighted. A 
rush takes place immediately by the ten-year-old 
boys, or young baboons equivalent to that human 
age, but the arrival of some old grandfathers in 
the shape of well-maned males, who cuff them 
right and left, restores immediate discipline, and 
all the party resolve themselves into groups 
around the well-laden trees, filling their stomachs, 
and distending their pouches with the bon-bons 
of the wilderness. 
The antelopes are particularly fond of this 
gum, and they are sure to be found in the 
neighbourhood of this species of mimosa. 
The hide of the tetel or hartebeest is much 
prized by the Arabs, as the toughest and most 
durable leather when tanned. Large sacks are 
