118 POPULAR SCRIPTURE ZOOLOGY.

long; the neck arched; the horns are flattened and toothed
behind, whence it is called by the ancients platyceros, the
flat-horned deer. This species is mentioned in 1 Kings iv.,
in speaking of Solomon’s provisions for one day, in con-
nection with roebucks and hearts, 4. Dorcas and probably
A. Arabica.

Antilope Gazella (Plate VI. the “ Wild Ox,” or Oryx).—
The Septuagint supposes this to be the animal intended |
by the “ wild ox” of Deuteronomy xiv. “It is distinguished
by the length and straightness of the horns, a circumstance
which seems to be pointed at in the etymology of the
Greek name.” It is a native of northern Africa, about five
feet in length, and little more than three feet in height at
the shoulder ; the horns are nearly straight, and often more
than two feet long, black and slightly annulated: the animal
uses them like spears, and will even dart upon the lion
before he can make his fatal spring. The colour of the
animal is reddish-grey, and white beneath, with bands of
black extending from the head, down the throat io the
fore legs, which they encircle, then passing along the sides
the hind legs are ornamented by them in the same manner.
The hunting of the “wild ox” is said to be dangerous, for
when wounded, it will turn upon the hunters with great