Of course there are times when antelopes must be killed, just as there are times when little lambs must be killed, and for the same reason too, because they are required as food; but whenever it can be done, they should be shot or snared, and not hunted down by dogs, or by birds of prey, which is still worse. But, then, some people say that the dogs must be trained to run after such animals as these, or how can they be taught to hunt other animals which man cannot easily shoot or catch? Well, there may be truth in that but anyhow, if I were in the position of the man in the picture at the beginning of this lesson, I should feel very much inclined to beat off the three dogs which have overtaken the antelope after a long chase, and let the poor, weary, panting animal have its life and liberty, and go off to the herd as soon as it has recovered itself. Antelopes are hunted or caught in several different ways, and it is no wonder that people have to try more than one plan when they want to secure them, for these creatures are both very shy and very active. Thus, the beautiful antelope called the gazelle, which is famous for its soft and bright eyes, is often followed by greyhounds. Now, greyhounds are not the strongest and fiercest of the dog kind, and we might fancy that when hard pushed the gazelle might fight these, but it seldom * F attempts to fight an enemy, and trusts for safety to flight. The speed with which a troop of gazelles can dart across the sandy plains is astonishing to see. No man, and few animals, can follow them. For gazelles have many enemies, and the lions and leopards are constantly on the watch, seeking to pick up stragglers, and while they are feeding, they oftentimes dash in upon them, and carry off one or more. And here we find an instance of wonderful instinct, showing how the Creator has provided for the wants of these humble creatures which, though little regarded by man, He does not consider unworthy of His care. Gazelles, before they feed in company, are noticed to have always sentinels on the watch in more places than one. These keep constantly on the outlook, and if they see signs of danger, they at once raise an alarm, and the flock or troop fly off as fast as they can. Now and then, should the enemy be one they think they can drive away, gazelles form themselves into a sort of circle, all the strongest being put outside, and present their horns to whatever may come near. QUESTIONS:-1. How are antelopes hunted? 2. What kind of creatures are they? 3. For what are they famous? 4. What do you know about their speed? 5. In what way do they show wonderful instinct? 6. How do these act when signs of danger appear? 7. What form does the troop take when they act on the defensive? Antelope Hunting.-PART II. a-larm'-ed, sudden fear. gap, an opening. oc-ca'-sion-al-ly, again and again. hoof, a horny foot. in-close', shut in. pro-ject', thrown forward. soar, fly above. touch'-ing, coming against. THE Ariel gazelle is found in Syria, and if kept in captivity, may be made quite tame, being gentle in its ways. If alarmed, it puts back its head, so that the nose projects forwards; it seems almost to skim over the ground without touching it, yet avoiding any object that is in its road. To help in catching this kind of antelope, falcons are used, which soar over the head of the animal as it flies, and as it gets bewildered and frightened by blows on the head which the bird strikes it occasionally, time is given for dogs to come up to it, and drag it down. Another way of securing antelopes of this and other kinds, is the making of a large trap, with walls about it so high that antelopes cannot leap over. In a few places there are gaps left, and inside, just under these, deep pits are dug. Then a party of hunters on horseback drive the antelopes towards this enclosed place, and with loud shouts they force the animals close; and having no chance of getting off otherwise, they leap through the gaps, and fall into the pits. The klip-springer, as it is called, is a delicate little creature, with small hoofs, and this antelope is particularly clever at climbing rocks, or jumping from them. One may be seen standing quite comfortably, not only at the edge of a precipice, but on a place so small that it has to put its four feet close together. If startled, it bounds over the rocks like an "india-rubber ball." Savage tribes of men used to catch these when they wanted rain, because they believed that the cry of this kind of antelope had an effect on the clouds. So, having caught a number, they would beat and punch them until they were tired, or until rain fell. These tribes have learnt better things since missionaries have settled among them. QUESTIONS:-1. What kind of gazelle can be tamed, and how? 2. When alarmed, how does the gazelle run? 3. Tell one way of catching the antelope. 4. Tell another way. 5. Describe the klip-springer. 6. What did savage tribes believe about the cry of the antelope? Speak Gently. ac'-cents, tones of voice. care'-worn, worn with troubles. e-ter'-ni-ty, for ever and ever. gent'-ly, kindly, quietly. mar, spoil or blot. SPEAK gently! It is better far Speak gently-let no harsh words mar Speak gently to the little child! Speak gently to the aged one, Grieve not the care-worn heart; Speak gently: He who gave His life |