[Illustration: GNU.]
The Gnu, sometimes called the Gnu Antelope, inhabits Southern Africa. It
is about the size of a Donkey, and is curiously formed. Added to its
muscular and thick-set body, it has the muzzle of an Ox, the legs of a
Stag, and the neck, shoulders and rump of a small Horse. Its head is
flattened, and its brown hair is short. On its neck it has a mane of
white, grey and black hair, and under its chin hangs a thick brown
beard. It also has horns, something like those of the Cape Buffalo,
which first bend downwards and then curve in an upward direction. It is
not surprising with such a queer combination, that strange stories were
told of this animal in the past, as it has the appearance of being made
up of various portions of several other animals.
These strangely constructed animals are found in the mountainous
districts to the north of the Cape of Good Hope, and probably throughout
a large portion of Africa. They are very wild, and are swift runners and
may be seen skimming along in single file following one of their number
as a guide.