206 
GRACEFUL AFRICAN ANTELOPES 
elephant when a herd of unusually dark-looking antelopes attracted 
observation in a neighboring valley. Reconnoitering them with a 
pocket telescope from the acclivity on which we stood, I at once 
exclaimed that they were perfectly new to science; and having 
announced my determination of pursuing them, if requisite, to the 
world's end, I dashed down the slope, followed by the derision of the 
Hottentots for my unsportsmanlike attentions to an 'ugly buck,' one 
specimen of which, however, I assured them I would rather have 
possessed than all the elephants in Africa!" It may be stated that 
this ardent sportsman’s desire was gratified after three days of tire¬ 
some trailing by the securing of a fine buck of the species. The reader 
would readily understand the enthusiasm of the hunter could he see 
this splendid antelope in his native wilds. The height at the shoulder 
blades is about four feet six inches and the extreme length nearly nine 
feet. The horns are flat and upwards of three feet in length, sweeping 
gracefully over the back in the form of a crescent. A bushy mane 
extends from the chestnut colored ears to the middle of the back. The 
tail is long, black in color and tufted. The glossy jet black hue of the 
greater portion of the body contrasts beautifully with a snow white 
face and belly. 
The Roan Antelope. —Another much sought species is the 
roan antelope or bastard gemsbok. Hunters and explorers usually 
agree that they are to be found chiefly on the ridges about the source 
of some rivers. This imposing animal is one of the largest members of 
the antelope family, being about the size of a large horse, but it has 
so little speed that it may be ridden down without any great difficulty, 
provided the ground permits of such a method. However, when it is 
unable to continue its flight it charges viciously as a rule, and the 
pursuer must be both a clever horseman and a good shot to avoid a 
serious encounter, with the chances in favor of his being left hors-de- 
combat on the field. 
Except for the head and tail, which are jet black, the coat is 
uniformly of a delicate roan color. The animal is heavily built and 
has an upright mane, long asinine ears, and strong scimitar-shaped, 
recurved horns, about two feet in length and having from twenty-five 
to thirty prominent rings. The head, though its prevailing color is 
