The Gnus rive in extensive herds on the karroos of South Africa ; they are naturally wild and difficult to approach, and when wounded will turn upon the hunter and pursue him in turn, dropping on their knees before making an attack, and then darting forwards with amazing force and velocity. When first alarmed they commence by flinging up their heels and capering like a restive horse, tossing their beads and tails, and butting at the mole-hills or other objects, but immediately after taking to flight, and traversing the desert with a speed which soon carries them beyond the reach of danger. They do not run in a confused crowd like sheep or oxen, but in single file following a leader, and have a pleasing appearance as they skim over the level plains. They are said to be subject to a cutaneous eruption at particular seasons of the year, which they sometimes communicate to domestic cattle, and which invariably suds in death.
The Kokoon (A. tnurina, Burchell), is identical with the common Gnu, as may be seen by the specimen named Kokoon by Col. H. Smith, in the collection of the London Missionary Society.
67. C. Gorgon(CotoGlepos Gorgon, hi. Smith), the Gorgon, or Brindled Gnu, has a convex smooth face, covered with hair lying towards the nose; the chest not maned. It is of a black colour, varied, and striped with gray. It is the Bastard Wilde Nest of the Dutch at the Cape. It lives to the north of the Nu Gareep, or Black River, and though herds feed on its banks, yet it is not known to cross it. It occurs on the large plains north of the Orange River, and when alarmed each herd decamps in long regular files. The flesh is good to eat, and is much sought after. The Betehuanas use the skins for their cloaks and mantles.
2. &rine Anleloys.
These Antelopes have the nese moderately broad, with a moderate or small bald moist muffle; the horns high on the frontal ridge; the grinders rather small, without supplemental lobes; the central cutting teeth enlarged at the cad.
A Irephalas has the horn), ]orate on the upper edge 'of the rather produced frontal bones, thick at the base, and suddenly curved at a nearly right angle ; now moderately broad, corvine; muffle moderato, bald, moist; tear-bag covered with a tuft of hair. The female has two teat& 6S. A. Babalia (Asti:opt Bubalis, Pallas), the llithale, or Bekker el-Wash, is about the size of the largest stag, and is particularly remarkable for the great length of its head, and its narrow, flat, and straight forehead and face.
the Mandingoca. This species was formerly regarded by Dr. J. E. Gray an the Koba of Ruffin; but he believes now that this animal is referable to the next specie& 72. D. Pygaryn, the Nunni, or Boute-floe, is of a simple red colour ; the outer side of the limbs darker ; the streak between the horns, face, and rump above the tail, white ; the temple and upper part of throat whitish; the legs whitish, upper and lower part brown, varied.
The female has the throat and under part of the body white. The terms /cob and Kobe are applied to various kinds of antelopes by the negroes, and this is the species to which Dr. Gray believes the horns of the animal belong which accompany his description of the Kobe.
73. D. albifrons, the Bless-Boo, is described by Burchell. "A half. grown specimen," says Dr. Gray, " of this species, when compel-1l This animal, called Bekker-el-Wash, or Wild Ox, by the Arabs, is common in every part of northern Africa, living in numerous herds on the confines of the Tell or cultivated parte, and the Sahara or Desert, and also, according to Captain Lyon, upon the mountains south of Tripoli. Barbary seems to be the chief habitat of the species, but it sometimes happens that a few individuals find their way across the Desert to the banks of the Nile, where, however, they are seldom seen, and, as it is said, only when they stray from their native habitat. At the same time it is to be observed, that its representation occurs among the hieroglyphics of the temples of Upper F+,7pt. Dr. Shaw informs us that the Bubale is naturally of a familiar disposition, that the young calves frequently mix with domestic cattle, and soon learn to attach themselves to the herd without attempting to escape afterwards. They fight like the common bult, by lowering the head, and striking suddenly upwards with the horns, which are formidable weapOrta either for attack or defence.
69. A. Caanui (Anfilope Caanm, Curler), the Lecama, or Herta Deest It is of a gray-brown colour ; the dorsal line, streak on face, outer side of limbs, black ; a large triangular spot on the haunches whitish. It inhabits the plains of South Africa, and is the most common of all the large antelopes in that country. It resides in large herds, and is a favourite object of pursuit with the natives and colonists. Its pace, when at full speed, resembles a heavy gallop, but is tolerably quick notwithstanding ; and the animal has a habit of frequently stopping to gaze at its pursuers when it has got to any distance a-head of them. Its manners are sufficiently mild and tract able, but when put upon its defence it makes good use of its powerful horns, dropping on its knees before charging, and after advancing 'mine distance in this position, darting suddenly forwards with great force sgainst its adversary. The flesh is rather dry, but of a fine grain, more nearly resembling the beef of the ox than that of any other antelope, except perhaps the Eland, and it has a high game flavour which makes it universally esteemed. The female produces hnt a single calf, which she brings forth in September or April, and which, if atken young, is easily domesticated.