the buffalo-the neck, mane, and tail resemble Africa alone; two or three are common to it and those of the horse, and the general action is more Asia; about a dozen are peculiar to Asia; two like that of the horse than that either of the ox, inhabit Europe, and one, the prongbuck, is found the goat, or the elegant gazelle. The Nyl-ghau of in North America. The precise nature of the loIndia presents us with a very singular form; and cality tenanted by the various species is very difthe bush antelopes, formed for diving through the ferent. Wide plains, the steppes of central Asia, dense brush and jungle, have their peculiar cha- the karroos of Africa, mountain ranges, deep racters. Why should we call all these antelopes? woods, and dense jungles, have all their approThe term is of uncertain origin, given at first pro-priate species. bably to a fabulous animal, or, if indicative of any The subdivisions of this extensive group are species, of the gazelles only. It first occurs in very differently framed by various naturalists, the Hexameron of Eustathius (4th century), and among whom Col. Hamilton Smith (in Griffith's Bochart supposes it to be derived from the Coptic translation of the Règne Animal'), and Mr. Panthalops, which signifies the unicorn; and it Ogilby (in 'Proceedings Zool. Soc.,' 1836), have has been erroneously supposed to be a Greek done much towards a lucid and satisfactory arcompound framed with reference to the large rangement. We shall here only attempt a sketch eyes of the gazelle, so celebrated by the poets of the views of Mr. Ogilby, giving at the same of Arabia and Persia. Again, some antelopes, time the most prominent examples. if we must use the word, have a broad naked muzzle like the ox, which fits them for grazing on the pasturage of plains and meadows. Others have the muzzle attenuated and hairy like the goat, and browze upon plants or nibble the herbage; sometimes we find an intermediate form between these two extremes. In many species the females have only two teats, in others they have four; in some the females are destitute of horns; in others the females differ much both in contour and colour

from the males.

I. Horns moderate, scabrous, hooked backwards at the tip, with a prong about the centre, directed forward. No horns in the female, teats four, muzzle hairy, suborbital and inguinal pores wanting; fore knees with large brushes; accessory or false hoofs wanting.

Example, the Prongbuck (A. furcifer). This species, the only one of the present section of which we have any certain knowledge at present, inhabits the western parts of North America, from 53° N. lat. to as far S. as the Like the stag and the fallow deer, and the plains of Mexico and California. It is numeroas sheep also, many antelopes possess lachrymal or on the southern branch of the Saskatchewan, suborbital sinuses, often called tear-pits, consisting and the upper plains of the Columbia river. It is of a sac or fold of the skin beneath the eye, fur- gregarious, associating in troops which frequent nished at the bottom with a gland which secretes the open country, never resorting to wooded disan oily viscid substance closely resembling ear-tricts; they migrate from north to south according wax; these pits, of greater or less extent, are ca- to the season, and are swift and timid, but at the pable of being opened or closed; but their precise same time curious and inquisitive, wheeling round use is not known; they do not communicate with in circles to scan the object of alarm, and thus the internal nostrils, as some have supposed, and often come within the gun of the hunter, and fall consequently have nothing to do with respiration. a sacrifice to the artifice of the wolf.

In some species these sinuses are wanting; so are The Prongbuck stands about three feet high at they in the goat, though not in the sheep. In the shoulder; the tail is short, the limbs long, and some antelopes a naked glandular stripe runs the general figure graceful. The body is thickly down each side of the face, and secretes a dark oily substance. In most species inguinal pores are present; these are deep cutaneous sacs situated in the groin, secreting a glutinous waxy substance. In one species, the chamois, there is a pit behind each ear; it is nearly half an inch in depth, and opens externally by a small aperture; its use is unknown. Interdigital pits are commonly present.

The antelopes are generally covered with smooth short hair; some have a mane along the ridge of the neck; in certain species there are tufts of hair called scope, or knee-brushes, below the knee-joint | of the anterior limbs. The ears are usually long and pointed, and the tail is short, often tufted. Generally speaking, these animals are gregarious, wandering in herds in search of pasturage, and are thus partially migratory. Some live in pairs, or small families only. They are timid, watchful, and cautious, and enjoy the senses of hearing, sight, and smell in great perfection. Africa

Prongbuck.

may be considered as the head quarters of the covered with long hair, dry, harsh, brittle, tubaantelopes. Out of about seventy known spe- lar, and utterly devoid of elasticity. The general cies, upwards of fifty inhabit the continent of colour is fawn in winter, with a white diee

around the tail. In summer the coat has a is sulak, and the Tartars term it akkak. It is darker tinge, and the hair appears of the ordinary gregarious and migratory in its habits, and feeds texture, its character becoming altered on the ap- upon acrid, saline, and aromatic plants. proach of the cold season. (Richardson's' Fauna Boreali-Americana.')

II. Horns simple, none in the female; lachrymal sinuses, inguinal pores, and knee-brushes wanting. Teats two. Muzzle hairy.

Example, the Chiru (A. Hodgsonii, Abel). This species, the only one known as yet of the present group, inhabits the elevated plains of Tibet, but never approaches the mountains. It associates in herds of hundreds on the open plains, with sentinels posted in different directions, and is extremely shy, wary, and swift. During the summer, vast herds, under their respective leaders, visit the salt-beds which abound in Tibet, and take every precaution to prevent surprise. When brought to bay, the males defend themselves with great desperation. The chiru stands three feet high at the shoulders, and the general contour indicates vigour. The horns are long and strongly compressed on the sides, they bend slightly backwards at first, and afterwards point gradually forwards, thus assuming a lyrated form. Two large fleshy tumours grow close to the margin of the nostrils, and a pendent pouch hangs by a loose narrow neck in each groin. The body is covered with an under coat of close wool, and a long external coat of hair. The general tinge is tawny, but the under wool is of a greyish blue. (Proceedings of the Zoological Society,' 1831, p. 52; 1832. p. 14; 1834, p. 80.)

III. Horns round, annulated, and more or less spiral, in the male only. Large suborbital sinuses; large inguinal pores. Muzzle hairy. In most, long knee-brushes. Teats two or four.

Another species is the Dzeren (A. gutturosa), a native of the dry arid deserts of central Asia, Tibet, China, and Southern Siberia, particularly the great desert of Gobi, where it feeds upon a scanty herbage, avoiding water. It is fleet, active, and gregarious, the troop following their leader in single file, even when hotly pursued. They are a favourite object of the chase with the Moguls and Tartars, their flesh being esteemed as food. In the old males the larynx is enlarged and salient, forming a prominent lump on the throat; hence the title gutturosa. The female produces a single kid in June. We may here just notice that magnificent antelope of Southern Africa, called the Pallah (4. melampus), a native of the wide open plains, where it congregates in small families. It is extremely swift, powerful, and active, and much hunted for the sake of its flesh.

IV. Horns short and straight; knees without brushes; hips hairy; circular lachrymal sinuses, but no inguinal pores; teats four.

The example of this section is the elegant active little Madoqua (4. saltiana), scarcely 14 inches high, found in all parts of Abyssinia, and especially the mountain districts of Tigré, where it lives in pairs. The female has no horns, but a tuft of hair standing upright on the crown of the head, as has the male also. Of the habits of this species little is known.

V. Horns moderate and lyrated, in the male only; suborbital sinuses large; knee brushes; inguinal pores?; teats two; muzzle round and naked, like that of the stag.

Of this group two species are described, A. forfex of Col. H. Smith, and A. adenota, of the same. Both are believed to be natives of Western Africa; at least one living specimen, the only one yet seen, of the former, and a living pair of the latter, were brought from the western coast. They were very shy, wild, and timid. Little is definitely known respecting them.

VI. Horns four in number, in the male only; muzzle naked and round; large lachrymal sinuses; no knee-brushes; teats?; inguinal pores.

The best known example of this section is the Sasın or Common Indian Antelope (A.cervicapra), so frequently to be seen in our menageries. This species, remarkable for the spiral twist of its ringed horns, is found in every part of India, and is remarkable for its extreme fleetness and its wonderfu agility. Captain Williamson states, that he has seen an old buck antelope lead a herd of females over a net at least eleven feet high, and that they can pass over ten or twelve yards at a single bound. These antelopes reside in the open The Chickara, or four-horned antelope (A. quadplains, living in families consisting each of fifty or ricornis), is a small species, standing one foot eight sixty females and a single male, exclusive of a inches in height; the upper pair of horns are number of young bucks, which are stationed straight and about three inches long; the addiaround the herd as sentinels. On the least alarm tional pair in front of these are still shorter and the whole troop is in rapid motion, and the swiftest blunt. This species lives in pairs in the wooded dogs are left far behind. The chetah, or hunting parts of India, particularly in Bengal, Bahar, and leopard, is trained to pounce upon these antelopes by surprise, but often misses his aim; the hawk is also used, but not flown at the males, on whose horns it would be soon transfixed; it harasses and VII. Horns in the male only, short, round, impedes the animal, giving time for the dogs or the smooth, and bent slightly forwards; muzzle naked; hunter to come up. The long sharp horns of the lachrymal sinuses large; teats four; inguinal pores sasin are used as weapons by the fakirs and der- generally present; knee-brushes mostly wanting. vishes of the East. Under this group are arranged the Nyl-ghau Under this group is placed the Saiga (A. colus), (A. picta); the Ourebi of South Africa (4. scoa native of the open steppes and deserts from the paria); the Steenbok (A. tragulus) of South Danube to the Irtish eastwards, and as far north-Africa; the Grysbok (A. melanotis) of the same wards as 54° lat. It is found in Poland, Moldavia, districts; the Klipspringer (A. oreotragus) of the Siberia, and Northern Persia. Its Polish name craggy mountains of the Cape; a species from

Orissa: it is exceedingly wild and active, and unless when taken very young, will not bear confinement. The female produces two young ata birth.

ANTELOPE.

India termed A. acuticornis and an allied spe- is the most striking. Its spiral horns are often 808 cies termed A. subulata. Of all these the Nyl-ghau is the most remark-male is four feet high at the shoulders. This four feet in length, and beautifully twisted. The able. It is upwards of four feet high at the shoul-noble antelope inhabits the woody parts of Caffrader, and extremely powerful. This noble animal ria, principally along the banks of lakes and inhabits the dense forests in India, where, not-rivers; it swims well; it is generally found in withstanding its great strength and spirit, it often small families of four or five individuals, and falls a prey to the tiger: when, however, chased feeds on the shoots and leaves of young trees. by man, it frequently turns furiously upon the hunter, who finds a difficulty in evading its sudden onset. The nyl-ghau has often bred in captivity, both in this country and in India. The male is vicious, and not to be approached without caution. The sexes differ in stature and colour, the general colour of the male being slaty blue, of the female tawny red.

Africa, is placed in this section, and so is the
The Boshbok (A. sylvatica), a native of southern
Guib of western Africa (A. scripta).

by a single curvature towards the point; muzzle
IX. Horns in the male sex only distinguished
naked; inguinal pores large; neither lachrymal
sinuses nor knee-brushes; teats four.

Several species, all African, are included in this group, as the Koba (A. koba), the Kob (4. kob), the Reitbok (A. eleotragus), the Nagor (A. redunca), the Rheebok (A. capreolus), &c.

The Koba, called Grande Vache brune by the French, is a native of Senegal, and about the size of the ordinary stag of Europe. It is covered with long and rough hair, of a reddish hue on the upper parts, passing into grey below. In captivity the Koba is very gentle, but of its habits in a state of nature nothing is known. Some years since, a specimen (female) lived for a considerable time in the gardens of the Zoological Society, London. This species exceeds the Kob in size; this latter is the Petite Vache brune of the French of Senegal.

X. Maxillary naked glands; sometimes, also, lachrymal sinuses; horns round, short, slightly annulated, and common to the male only; muzzle naked; large inguinal pores; teats two.

In this section are placed the Cambing-outan lope (A. quadriscopa) of Senegal, the Bush ante(A.Sumatrensis) of Sumatra, the Four-tufted Antelope (A. silvicultrix) of Sierra Leone, the Duikerbok (A. mergens) of the woods of Caffraria, and a few allied bush-diving species.

The Cambing-outan, or wild goat of the Malays, inhabits the hilly forests of Sumatra, and is very active and sure-footed, with much of the general aspect, habits, and manners of the goat er the ibex. It is vigorously made, and covered

Cambing-outan.

XIV. Horns in both sexes, smooth and black, at first rising upright, and then suddenly hooked backwards; lips hairy; a sinus or pit at the root of each horn; no lachrymal sinuses; teats two.

The only species in this section is the Chamois (A. rupicapra), a native of the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Carpathian and Grecian mountains, and the mountain-chains of Caucasus and Taurus.

The animals of this group are all African, and live singly or in pairs, among the brushes or underwood, and rarely venture to quit the thick cover of the woods and forests: all are The habits of the rock-bounding chamois have of small size. We may mention the Grimm been so often detailed, and are so generally known, (4. Grimmia, Desmar., not Pallas), a native of that we need not repeat them. Its acuteness of Sierra Leone and Guinea. The Kleenebok (4. hearing, sight, and smell, its security on the perpusilla, H. Smith), found in the thick brushes slightest ridge of the towering crag or precipice, of South Africa; and the Guevi (4. pygmæa, its wonderful activity and address, have been long H. Smith), an inhabitant of Senegal. Several celebrated; its chase demands the utmost nerve, other species are imperfectly known. daring, and powers of endurance, insomuch that the life of a chamois-hunter is one of perpetual jeopardy. This animal is much rarer than formerly in the Alps and mountain-chains of Europe.

This group includes the light and elegant ga- XV. General form heavy, solid, and massive, zelles which live on the wide plains of Syria, Ara- like that of the ox tribe, to which the animals of bia, western Asia, and northern and southern Africa. this section approximate in many points. Horns The common Gazelle of Barbary and the Sahara in both sexes long, erect, straight, or slightly (A. dorcas), the Ariel Gazelle of Arabia and Asia curved back; sometimes twisted into a beautiful Minor (4. Arabica), the Kevel of Senegal (4. spiral of two or three turns. Muzzle partially Kerella), Semmering's Gazelle (A. Sommeringii) naked; no suborbital sinus, nor inguinal pores; of northern Abyssinia, the Springbok of Caffraria teats four. (A. euchore), and the Blessbok of South Africa To this group belong the Addax (A. addax) (A. pygarga), are the most prominent examples. of Bornou, Dongola, and central Africa generally; As a characteristic specimen of this rapid light- the Abu-Harb (4. leucoryx) of Sennaar and limbed group of gregarious antelopes, we figure Kordofan, where it lives in large herds; and of the Blessbok (4. pygarga), also called Bontebok, which delineations are common on the ancient a native of the plains of South Africa, remarkable monuments of Egypt and Nubia; the Algazel for the pure white of the chaffron and of the (A. gazella), of which little is known; and the croup, contrasting with the brilliant brownish Gemsbok (4. oryx) of the plains of Southern bay of the upper parts generally. Africa.

Central Africa, and appears to have been known | sinuses; no inguinal pores; teats four; muzzle to the ancients; it is the strepsiceros of Pliny, naked. which he says the Africans call addax. (Pliny, This section contains a singular species, the 'Nat. Hist,' xi., c. 37, ed. Hard.) The Arabs of Thar (A. thar, Hodgson), described in 'Prothe present day term it akasch, akas, or addas, ceedings Zool. Soc.' 1834, p. 86, 99. This animal with the addition of Abu, father. The Abu-Harb is goat-like in form and habits, and covered with is the Oryx of the Greeks and Romans; but coarse black hair; it is heavily made, and stands this name is now bestowed by naturalists on its upwards of three feet high at the shoulders; its South African relative.

The Abu-Harb is a large and powerful animal, with the horns, which are long and sharp, slightly bent backwards.

XVI. Characters as in group XV.; but the muzzle more completely naked.

limbs are strong, short, and admirably adapted for climbing the steep sides of the craggy mountains. The Thar inhabits the precipitous and wooded mountains of the central region of Nepaul, up and down which it rushes with fearful rapidity, though it does not spring or leap well; nor is it speedy.' (Hodgson.)

To this section belongs the Blauwbok (4. leucophaea) of Southern Africa, where it lives on XX. Horns heavy, thick, annulated, first inthe open plains north of the Orange River, in clining forwards, and then suddenly bent backpairs or small families. The male is three feet wards; muzzle small; lachrymal sinus represented seven inches high at the shoulder, and is often by a small gland on the surface of the skin; very dangerous, attacking man and beast. The horns in the females; teats four; habits grelong sharp horns bend gently backwards. The garious. Takhaitze (A. barbata) of Southern Africa, su

In this section are placed the Bekr-el-Wash, or perior in size to the former, is extremely dangerous. wild ox of the Arabs (A. bubalus); the Caama The Equine Antelope (A. equina), a large spe- or Hartebeest (A. caama) of South Africa; and cies, inhabits the low wooded hills of South the Sassaby (A. lunata), also of South Africa. Africa. The Ellipsiprymnus (A. Ellipsiprymnus, The Bekr-el-Wash is figured on the monuments Ogilby), of which a detailed account will be found of ancient Egypt. It is common in many parts in the Proceedings Zool. Soc. Lond.,' 1833, p. 47, of Northern Africa, and lives in large herds. It is is a native of the interior of South Africa. quiet and familiar, frequently mixes with doXVII. Horns in both sexes spiral, or sur-mestic cattle, and becomes tame and docile. The rounded by a spiral wreath; muzzle large and male fights like the common bull, lowering his naked; hanging dewlaps; teats four. No la- head and striking with his formidable horns. chrymal sinuses, nor inguinal pores. The form is heavy; the head is long and narrow, and the forehead and chaffron straight. In size this species exceeds the largest stag, but is more heavily made.

This group contains the Canna or Eland (4. oreas), and the Baastard Eland of the Dutch (A. canna), both natives of South Africa.

The Canna, or as it is improperly called, Eland, is the largest of all antelopes, equalling a goodsized horse in stature. Its form is massive, and its withers are high. The tail terminates in a tuft. This animal often becomes very fat, and weighs from seven to nine hundred weight; it is mild, sluggish, and heavy, and is soon fatigued. Its flesh is highly prized; and the muscles of the thighs, when cured and dried, are sold as a delicacy under the name of thigh-tongues. This species lives in large herds upon the open plains and low hills, the males usually feeding apart by themselves. It is much harassed by the hunter, and is now scarce, except in the more retired parts of the Cape Colony.

XVIII. Short, upright horns, bent backwards, in both sexes; muzzle naked; teats four; no lachrymal sinuses, nor inguinal pores.

To this section belongs the Goral (A. goral, Hardwicke), first described in the Linn. Trans.' This antelope lives in large herds upon the elevated plains of the cold regions of Nepaul, which form the lower ridges of the great chain of the Himalayan Mountains. It is wild and fleet, and easily escapes from the hunter, unless he use stratagem; its flesh is much esteemed. According to Mr. Hodgson (Zool. Proceedings,' 1833, p. 105), its name should be written ghoral, not goral.

XIX. Horns common to both sexes, short, parallel, slightly curved back; large suborbital