The ANTELOPE
Forms a diſtinct claſs of animals, partaking many of the characters of the goat and the deer, yet diſtinct from either.
The Antelope, or Gazelle, has hollow, truncated and permanent horns, which is not ſo in the deer; declines the graſſy paſture, and browſes on ſhrubs, which imparts to the fleſh a delicate and agreeable flavour; on the other hand, the ſize and delicate form agree with the deer; the colour and nature of the hair alſo is the ſame, but the form of the horns differs very much, being of one ſtem or ſtalk only (without any branchings out), though of various and very different inflexions, which mark the ſeveral ſpecies of this tribe. The horns are annulated or girt round with rings at various intervals, at the ſame time they are longitudinally depreſſed or flattened from top to bottom; theſe particulars are common to all of the numerous race of Antelopes; of which Mr. Buffon has enumerated twelve; Mr. Pennant doubled that number, and perhaps there may yet be many undeſcribed varieties, if variations ſo ſlight, and marks ſo ſmall, conſtitute a new kind. The influence of ſoil, country and climate, has moſt likely produced this great variety, and where it may end is too uncertain to ſay. In general, they inhabit the hotter climates of Aſia and Africa (three or four kinds only excepted), and go in companies of ſix or eight, or elſe herd together in vaſt quantities.
Mr. Sparman mentions a lucky eſcape he and his travelling equipage experienced, in being about a quarter of a mile on one ſide a herd, not leſs than ten thouſand, which took their courſe over the plain where he lay encamped, and, but for this fortunate ſpace, he and his companions would have been trodden to death.
The eyes of this animal are the moſt beautiful and meek which Nature has formed. The eye of the Antelope is a metaphor in general uſe among the Eaſtern poets; and the gallantry of a lover, in thoſe countries, can go no higher, than in comparing the eyes of his miſtreſs to thoſe of the Antelope.
The form alſo is very elegant, and, with their ſwiftneſs, is noticed by the Sacred Writers. Their activity is wonderful, and their ſpeed exceſſive; the fleeteſt dogs are left far, very far behind; and when hunted, the aid of the hawk is neceſſary, which, by faſtening on the neck and cheek, either mortally wound, or ſo much impede their flight, that an opportunity is given for the horſemen and dogs to come up and ſecure the game. The Lynx or Panther is often employed in this chace, for the amuſement of the Great; theſe animals ſucceed more by craft than ſpeed; creeping ſlyly forward in a winding courſe, at an unwary moment they ſpring upon the thoughtleſs animal, mortally wound, and ſuck the blood.
Antelopes are very timid; ſome dwell upon the plains, others, and moſt generally, among the hilly countries; at the leaſt or moſt diſtant alarm betake themſelves to flight, and ſeek for ſafety in dangerous and inacceſſible parts of the rocks; where, it is reported, the Antelope will ſtand upon a pinnacle or point, no broader than the ſpace occupied by the four feet drawn cloſe together.
The one here delineated is the common or brown Antelope, the horns of which are about eighteen inches long, and fifteen diſtant at the tips; ſtands about three and a half feet high; colour a bright brown; cheſt, belly, &c. white.
