These Ruminants have horns which are covered with an elastic sheath,
something like agglutinated hair; they may be divided into two groups.
To the first group belong the Chamois, Gazelle, Saiga, Nyl-ghau, Gnu and
Bubale. To the second group belong the Common Goat, the Mouflon or Wild
Sheep, the Domestic Sheep and the Ox.
The most remarkable species belonging to the first division all come
under the natural group formerly known by the name of Antelopes. It
comprehends about a hundred species, which live, for the most part, in
Africa. They are generally slender and lightly-made, fleet in running,
of a gentle and timid disposition; they are gregarious, and are
particularly distinguishable by the different shapes of their horns.
We shall glance at the most remarkable genera resulting from the
division of the old general group of Antelopes.