The Black-Buck, or Sasin Antelope, (Antilope cervicapra), of the central plains of Hindustan, is one of the handsomest of the smaller antelopes. The horns of the male are long, strongly ringed, twisted spirally, and rise from the head in the shape of a V, sometimes to a length of 28 inches. At first the young males are fawn-colored, like the females, but as they grow older they steadily grow darker, until finally the whole upper body and lower neck are suffused with a rich, brown-black color. On the plains between the rivers Ganges and Jumna, herds of Black-Buck live in densely populated agricultural regions, and one of the greatest difficulties attendant upon its pursuit lies in shooting an animal without also shooting the native.
The Reedbuck, (Cervicapra arundinum), of South Africa, below Angola and Mozambique, is closely related to the larger and much more showy waterbucks, but is distinguished from them by the pronounced forward curve of its horns. In the western districts of Cape Colony, the number alive, in 1905, was estimated at 350 individuals.
The Common Duiker Antelope, (Cephalophus grimmi), or for that matter, any species of Duiker—may be regarded as the representative of a large group of very small African antelopes, of wide distribution. There are about twenty species in all, and the great majority of them are very modestly colored, in coats of one or two colors only. The prevailing tints are grayish brown and tawny red. The horns of the various species of Duikers are all very much alike. With but one or two exceptions, their horns are straight spikes from 3 to 5 inches in length. In shoulder height the Duikers vary from 14 to 30 inches, but the majority are between 17 and 22 inches. Only three or four species are strikingly colored.
The Four-Horned Antelope, (Tetraceros quadricornis) is a small creature which looks like a duiker, but is very far from belonging to that genus. It is an inhabitant of the brushy plains of India, and enjoys the unique distinction of possessing two pairs of horns. In addition to the 4-inch pair, normally placed, it has a much smaller pair, usually only 1 inch in height, which rises from the central area of the forehead. I believe it is the only species of antelope which possesses two pairs of horns.
GREAT GRAY KANGAROO.
The Springbuck, (Antidorcas euchore), is to South Africa as the “prong-horn” is to our great western plains. Once, both were abundant, and the first hoofed animal to greet the traveler who entered their respective domains. To-day, both species are so nearly extinct that the hunter must search long before finding even one. The Springbuck received its name in recognition of its remarkable habit of leaping high into the air when running—a habit which also is displayed by the black-buck of India.
The Gazelles are found only in Asia and Africa, and the number of species is about 25. In general terms they may be described as dainty antelopes,—so slender and delicate in leg construction that it seems strange that such slender bones can support a tall animal without breaking.
The Dorcas Gazelle, of Arabia, (Gazella dorcas), is the species which most frequently finds its way into captivity, and it will serve very well as a specimen species for the whole group. Despite its delicate and frail appearance, it is much more enduring in captivity than many animals which seem far more robust. A pair which entered the Park in 1900 is still living. The male has a temper which quite belies the reputation of the “gentle gazelle.” Although loyal and kind to his cage-mate, toward human beings generally he has manifested a very savage disposition, and in one of his fits of bad temper he broke off one of his own horns.
