Antelope

a group of animals placed by scientists midway between cattle and goats. The antelope resembles the deer in habits and appearance, but is entirely distinct. The so-called prong-horned antelope of the West belongs to another family. Antelopes proper are found only in the Old World. By far the greater number of one hundred species belong to Africa. The gazelle of Syria is noted for grace and the beauty of its eye. The pigmy antelope of African forests is only thirteen inches in height. It is the smallest known cudchewer. The eland of South Africa ranks with cattle in weight. The Dutch colonists of Cape Colony and South Africa found antelopes so numerous and tame that they could be depended upon for meat as though they were domestic cattle; but several species have been exterminated, and others bid fair to become extinct. Both sexes have horns which are retained like those of domestic cattle. These, and their fleetness of foot, are their only protection against beasts of prey. They are the fleetest of quadrupeds. The lion lives chiefly on antelopes. Dr. Livingstone's Travels give many authentic anecdotes of antelopes and their speed, and ofttimes successful defense against the lion and other enemies. See Gazelle; Pronghorn; Deer; Horn; Chamois; Gnu; Uganda