THE MINOR ANTELOPES AND GAZELLES 337 
a clearly defined genus spread throughout the length of 
Africa from Sahara southwards to the Cape. But while 
the most northern and the most southern types (though 
specifically quite distinct) clearly approximate most closely 
inter se, yet we find these two races separated by a broad 
zone of interposed forms which (while also closely agree¬ 
ing inter se) are both radically different from (and also 
physically inferior to) their congeners on north and south 
respectively. Assuming that all such changes spring 
from evolution—and limiting that term ad hoc to develop¬ 
ments that import advantage—(or, say, “adaptation to 
changing circumstance”)—we are confronted with a 
paradox; for in the present case development is neither 
continuous, nor intergraded, nor consecutive, but precisely 
the reverse. The tangle might be dissolved were it 
permissible to assume that the type originated on the 
Equator, but subsequently succeeded in discovering more 
favouring environment as it spread away therefrom in 
either latitude. But I am getting beyond my depth. 
After all, what advantage does the possession of horns, 
as such—be they bigger or less—confer on the antelope- 
tribe? Of course there is the quality of beauty, be it 
for sexual adornment or otherwise. But, except in that 
sense, do those horns subserve any useful purpose, 
economic, offensive, or defensive ? I have seen no 
evidence of that. One witnesses little bouts between 
the males, but they are mostly mere sham-fights and 
rarely pressed home; besides hornless animals indulge 
equally in such diversions. Nature herself is in no 
positive mood in this matter, since in some cases she has 
granted horns to both sexes ; in others, only to one—the 
male. The acme of her uncertainty is exemplified in such 
instances as that of the abounding Thomson gazelle— 
(the familiar “Tommy” of East Africa)—wherein some 
females are horned, others hornless. Where Nature 
cannot decide, surely I shall not presume to speak. 
The ethics of Nature are oft inscrutable. Our present 
Y 
