This animal is a kind of antelope, but is larger than the usual size
of the antelope, and not so handsome in form. It stands upwards of
four feet in height at the shoulder. It is a powerful and vicious
creature, and its temper is not good. When it is about to make an
attack, it drops down upon its fore-legs, and then darts quickly
forward and gives a blow with its head, which is very dangerous. The
hair of the nyl ghau is short and close, and is generally of a slate
color in the male, and a tawny red in the female, except in the under
parts of the body, which are always white. Its fore-legs are longer
than its hinder-legs, and it has the appearance of having a small lump
at its shoulder. It is usually found in the forests of India, where it
becomes the prey of the tigers and wild boars. The cut below shows how
the nyl ghau defends himself when attacked.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: OX.]