Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 5 (1901).djvu/476

446 Antelopes. The matter, however, was rightly settled in favour of the Blaauwbok as a true species. The measurements of several existing specimens were found to coincide; Sundevall, who examined a long series of Roan Antelope of all ages and both sexes, pointed out that the feet of the Stockholm leucophæa were smaller than those of even quite young equina; and a long list of differences between the two species has been drawn up. I have myself repeatedly examined the Leyden specimen, which plainly shows that the Blaauwbok was distinguishable by the following characters:— 2. Ears relatively shorter, and not pencilled at the tips. 3. Mane directed forwards. 4. Throat-hairs short. 5. No anteocular switches of hair. 6. No black on face.
 * 1. Horns relatively longer than in the Roan Antelope.

Compare this with the short stout horns, immense ears, hogged mane, ruffed throat, anteocular brushes, and magpie face of the Roan. The fine bull Blaauwbok in my photograph is surely distinct enough from any of the allied species; for, if merely a small though adult Roan, why is there no black on the face; if immature, why does it carry such fine curved horns?

There is another point, not hitherto, I think, mentioned by zoologists. The geographical distribution of the two species is quite different. H. leucophæa was limited to the province of Swellendam, and finally exterminated in 1800; H. equinus was not discovered till Dec. 21st, 1801, near Leetakoo (Kuruman), in Bechuanaland, many weary leagues from "the valley of Soete Melk." Had the Blaauwbok occurred in the intervening district at any time, surely its remains, even if semi-fossilized, would have been unearthed before now.

I have compiled the following census of all recorded specimens, many of which unfortunately cannot now be found: —

1. Pallas's type-specimen. Obtained previous to 1766.

2. The Haarlem specimen. Obtained previously to 1766; mentioned by Allamand.

3. Skin seen by Sparrman near Krakeel River about 1772.

4. Skin bought at Amsterdam previous to 1781. Described by Pennant.